Riparian & Grazing BMPs
The Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) Program’s Riparian & Grazing project category funds projects such as fencing to manage and improve riparian condition and function (1003) and alternative watering systems to manage livestock (1001)
To learn more about the BMP program, other BMP categories, program eligibility criteria, and/or notifications & obligations, please visit the BMP page.
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Category Details
| Activity Type | Cost-Share Ratio | Maximum Funding | Project Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riparian & Grazing Activites | 60% | Up to $70,000 | 140 days from Project Approval or by January 31, 2027, whichever is first. |
Application Open: February 25, 2026
Submission Open: March 18, 2026, at 9 am
Application Close: April 17, 2026, at 4 pm
A portion of BMP Program funding is provided by CleanBC and is reserved for Riparian & Grazing activities that demonstrate a significant and measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions or an increase in carbon sequestration. These eligible activities (or practice codes) are marked with a 🌱 symbol. If funding is limited, projects eligible for CleanBC funding may be prioritized over projects that are not.
For some activities, a plan, technical assessment or engineered design is required. You can independently attain the required plan/assessment/design or check for funding opportunities via BMP: Planning, Technical Assessments and Engineered Designs (P&D) category. The prerequisite must be completed prior to applying for the activity below. To learn more about the requirements for professionals to complete a plan/assessment/design and/or to find a qualified professional, visit our Qualified Professionals page.
Riparian & Grazing Activity Details
Upstream diversion around outdoor confined livestock areas or downstream protection of stewardship areas, may include catch basins, retention ponds, in field diversion works, or constructed wetlands.
Ineligible costs:
- Gutters and downspouts for farm buildings
Required documents:
- Farmyard runoff/storm water management plan/design (BMP P&D activity code: 0503)
For moving operations away from sensitive surface water, riparian areas, critical wildlife habitat and areas of severe erosion potential. Existing site must be decommissioned.
Eligible costs:
- Relocation of corrals, paddocks and wintering sites away from riparian areas.
- Relocation of fences, powerlines, trails or other infrastructure having negative impacts on species at risk.
- Groundwater protection
- Application must provide rationale other than of proximity to sensitive groundwater
- Construction of impermeable surfaces or roofs if they existed at the decommissioned site.
- New water supply infrastructure if it was part of the decommissioned site.
Ineligible costs:
- Construction of impermeable surfaces or roofs that didn’t exist at the decommissioned site.
- New water supply infrastructure that didn’t exist as part of the decommissioned site.
For alleyway/access lane upgrades to improve distribution of feed and manure away from riparian areas or high-risk ground water areas.
Establishment of off-site watering systems for livestock to minimize negative impacts on habitat for wildlife and species at risk.
Eligible costs:
Solar, gravity-fed, wind, grid or alternative power:
- Solar, gravity-fed, wind, grid or alternative power:
- Pumps
- Storage
- Power setup from existing power line
- Waterlines
- Protective fencing or portable panels
- Monitoring equipment
- Construction: meaning the installation of permanent offsite watering infrastructure requiring modification of the streambank/riparian area (e.g., pumps, piping, electricity source, footings, earthworks, etc.). Refer to the B.C. Livestock Watering Handbook for more information.
Ineligible costs:
- Repair and maintenance of existing riparian pasture management systems and equipment
- On-going maintenance costs of existing equipment
- Opportunity costs associated with payments for land taken out of production
- Installation costs of main electrical service
Required documents:
- Engineering or Technical Design or Assessment – Water/Riparian (BMP: P&D activity code: 1102)
- If watering system construction occurs within a riparian area (e.g., pumps, piping, electricity source, footings and (or) access points to the offsite watering system for livestock.
Note:
- All projects must be designed by an accredited engineering consultant or qualified professional and comply with all federal, provincial, and local regulations.
- Projects may require a Section 11 Change Approval under the Water Sustainability Act. For guidance, contact FrontCounter BC (1-877-855-3222 or FrontCounterBC@gov.bc.ca).
Establishment/planting of adaptable, hardy, permanent native (preferred) and/or non-invasive introduced species of grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees.
Eligible costs:
- Consultative services for the creation of a riparian management plan (RMP) (including a riparian health assessment) or a riparian planting plan/site design
- Pre-planting site preparation and plant purchase costs prior to the year of planting if needed.
- Establishment year site preparation including, including invasive species control or removal, irrigation (trickle or drip), or temporary fencing.
- Purchase/planting/establishment costs for grasses from certified seed, forbs, trees and shrubs for the year of planting.
- Maintenance one year after the planting year can be included as part of the project proposal but is subject to the availability of funding in following program year.
Required documents:
- Completed Riparian Health Assessment (RHA) indicating a site designated as “unhealthy” or “healthy with problems.”
- Riparian planting plan/design including: site map, suitable species, composition, density and maintenance plan OR a letter of commitment from a Qualified Professional indicating that the plan will be completed prior to starting project activities.
Recommended documents:
- Engineering or Technical Design or Assessment – Water/Riparian (BMP: P&D activity code 3001)
Ineligible costs:
- On-going maintenance
- Costs associated with acquiring / planting invasive plant species
- Opportunity costs associated with payments for land taken out of production
- Landscape quality or landscaping type plantings
- Commercial fruit trees, Christmas trees, ornamentals, afforestation, woodlot establishment and reforestation.
- Purchase and relocation of established trees
Note:
- All projects must be designed by an accredited engineering consultant or qualified professional and comply with all federal, provincial, and local regulations.
- Projects may require a Section 11 Change Approval under the Water Sustainability Act. For guidance, contact FrontCounter BC (1-877-855-3222 or FrontCounterBC@gov.bc.ca).
Eligible costs:
- Consultative services for the creation of a riparian management plan (RMP) or a plan/site design for temporary or permanent fencing (e.g. materials, length, siting/location, maps).
- Fencing parallel to water’s edge to exclude livestock in order to maintain or improve riparian conditions and function.
- Permanent fencing inclusive of all costs including in-kind labour.
- Protection of newly established or enhanced riparian buffers.
Required documents:
- Completed Riparian Health Assessment (RHA) indicating a site designated as “unhealthy” or “healthy with problems.”
- Plan/site design including (but not limited to): siting/location of proposed fencing with maps, recommended fencing type, materials and design OR a letter of commitment from a qualified professional (QP) indicating that the plan will be completed prior to starting project activities.
Recommended documents:
- Riparian Management Plan (BMP P&D activity code 3001)
Ineligible costs:
- Repair and maintenance of existing riparian pasture management systems and equipment (e.g. can’t be used to repair existing fence)
- On-going maintenance costs
- Opportunity costs associated with payments for land taken out of production
Note: Projects may require a change approval authorization under section 11 of the Water Sustainability Act. For more information, please contact FrontCounterBC (phone:1-877-855-3222 or email: FrontCounterBC@gov.bc.ca).
Eligible costs:
- Seeding and planting of native plant material (grasses, legumes, forbs, shrubs, and trees) and on-going maintenance of an established or restored site.
- Seeding and planting of native plants to establish native perennial forage cover to provide wildlife habitat.
Required documents:
- Grazing Management Plan (BMP: P&D activity code 2601)
Ineligible costs:
- Tame or agronomic pasture seeding and establishment or renovation costs
- Pasture renovation
- Altering native species plant balance
- Routine forage management practices
- Costs associated with acquiring / planting invasive plant species
- Opportunity costs associated with payments for land taken out of production
- Establishing forages as part of the operation’s normal crop rotation
Notes:
- Native vegetation refers to plant species indigenous to the area.
- Restoration refers to improving the ecological integrity of disturbed or degraded sites.
- Establishment refers to an area under different land use and the native species must be planted.
Eligible costs:
- Cross fencing to implement rotational, seasonal, rest, swath, and extended grazing systems
- Permanent fencing inclusive of all costs including in-kind labour
- Portable electric fencing, set-ups, including solar battery chargers, battery and initial line and post purchases
- Cross fencing
- Virtual collars are eligible as an alternative to structural fencing where physical fencing is impractical, as a replacement for fencing supporting under code 2601 (referenced below)
- Monitoring and management equipment
Required documents:
- Grazing Management Plan (BMP: P&D activity code 2601)
- If doing cross-fencing – this plan must identify importance and value of cross fencing in dealing with identified environmental risks and achieving environmental benefits.
Ineligible costs:
- Perimeter fencing
- Pasture seeding and establishment costs
- Pasture renovation
- Repair and maintenance of existing riparian erosion control or riparian pasture management systems and equipment (e.g. can’t be used to repair existing fence)
- On-going maintenance costs
- Opportunity costs associated with payments for land taken out of production
Note: Approval of projects will be contingent upon adherence to all federal, provincial, and municipal guidelines and regulations for project design and implementation.
Emphasis on the four rotational grazing principles:
- Balance forage supply and livestock demand
- Distribute grazing pressure across the pasture
- Provide rest for pasture plants during the growing season to help plants recover
- Avoid grazing during sensitive times
Eligible costs:
- Cross fencing to implement rotational, seasonal, rest, swath, and extended grazing systems
- Eligible permanent fencing inclusive of all costs including in-kind labour
- Portable electric fencing, set-ups, including solar battery chargers, battery and initial line and post purchases
- Cross fencing
- Virtual collars are eligible as an alternative to structural fencing where physical fencing is impractical, as a replacement for fencing supporting under code 2601 (referenced below)
- Monitoring and management equipment
Required documents:
- Grazing Management Plan (BMP P&D activity code 2601)
- If doing cross-fencing – this plan must identify importance and value of cross fencing in dealing with identified environmental risks and achieving environmental benefits.
Ineligible costs:
- Perimeter fencing
- Pasture seeding and establishment costs
- Pasture renovation
- Repair and maintenance of existing riparian erosion control or riparian pasture management systems and equipment (e.g. can’t be used to repair existing fence)
- On-going maintenance costs
- Opportunity costs associated with payments for land taken out of production
Note: Approval of projects will be contingent upon adherence to all federal, provincial, and municipal guidelines and regulations for project design and implementation.
For structures that demonstrate improved riparian conditions.
Eligible costs:
- New structures
- Improvements and/or repairs to existing structures
- Removal or re-location of existing structures – may include bridges or culverts
- Materials, labour, and equipment rental associated with earthwork, installation of structures, and re-vegetation work in addition to the constructed works
Required documents:
- Engineering or Technical Design or Assessment – Water/Riparian (BMP P&D activity code 1102)
Ineligible costs:
- On-going maintenance costs
- Stream crossing projects that are associated with a new or expanded agricultural activity– where no crossing has existed previously
- Projects that include culverts must meet same requirements as bridges in terms of design and regulations.
Note:
- All projects must be properly designed by an accredited engineering consultant or a qualified professional in accordance with federal, provincial and local government regulations and specifications.
- Projects may require a change approval authorization under section 11 of the Water Sustainability Act. For more information, please contact FrontCounterBC (phone:1-877-855-3222 or email: FrontCounterBC@gov.bc.ca).
For site assessments, materials, labour, and associated equipment rental required for bioengineering activities or constructed works.
Eligible costs:
- Contour Terraces (e.g., earthwork, seedbed preparation, seed)
- Gully Stabilization/Grassed Waterways (e.g., earthwork, erosion control matting, silt fencing, seedbed preparation, seed, outlet structure)
- Bank Stabilization (e.g., bank shaping, revetment, gabions, riprap, crib walls, re-vegetation, blanketing and combinations
- Drop Inlet Structures and In Channel Control (e.g., drop structures)
- Improved Infiltration of Concentrated Water Flow (e.g., filter trenches, filter wells, diffusing wells, etc.)
- Retention Ponds and Erosion Control Dams (in riparian areas)
- Wetland Restoration–earthworks, ditch plugs, equipment rentals. The wetland must be restored to as close as the original size, depth and ecological function as possible. In addition, A one- time payment for the restoration of wetlands will be issued to individuals.
- Surface water diversion on slopes
Required documents:
- Engineering or Technical Design or Assessment – Water/Riparian (BMP P&D activity code 1102)
Ineligible costs:
- Systematic tile and other subsurface drainage systems that are not an integral part of erosion control structure
- Activities related to constructing or repairing drainage systems, where the purpose is to remove ponded water or draining saturated soils
- Converting open channels to closed drainage systems
- Construction of new drainage channels or repair of existing drainage systems (e.g. drainage ditch clean-outs)
- Costs of tile and installation that exceeds 30 meters for riparian drop inlet structure projects
- Installation of drop inlets for drainage of ponded surface water (e.g. not associated with an erosion control structure)
- Header tile systems
- Tile outlet structures associated with new tile drainage installations
- Wetland restoration principally intended to be used for water sources (i.e., dams and dugouts)
- Retrieving topsoil from areas of deposition and transporting it upslope to eroded hillsides
- Construction and land improvement activities not associated with soil erosion control
- Ongoing payments for maintenance of wetlands and/or other infrastructure associated with wetlands
- Pothole/wetland consolidation or deepening existing functioning wetlands
Note:
- All projects must be properly designed by an accredited engineering consultant or a qualified professional in accordance with federal, provincial and local government regulations and specifications.
- Projects may require a change approval authorization under section 11 of the Water Sustainability Act. For more information, please contact FrontCounterBC (phone: 1-877-855-3222 or email: FrontCounterBC@gov.bc.ca).
This category is open to applications that address projects or situations identified in an EFP but not represented by any other Riparian and Grazing projects.
Applications will be accepted on a proposal driven basis and will be reviewed by a technical expert and/or staff at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
Required documents:
- Applicable planning, engineering or technical design must accompany application.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must have:
- A valid Environmental Farm Plan (EFP)
- Applicants applying for the Extreme Weather Preparedness category and associated plans and designs are not required to have an EFP.
- EFPs are valid if they are less than 5 years old and reflect the current farm or ranch operation.
- Please renew your EFP if it is more than 5 years old, or if there have been changes made to the farm/ranch that could have impact on environmental risk.
- Farm Status. Be a primary production agriculture business whose primary purpose is the production and sale of agricultural products and must be a BC registered business entity (including sole proprietor, partnership, corporations, cooperatives, Indigenous economic development corporations, and band-owned businesses).
- Premises ID, if livestock and/or poultry is raised.
- GST and CRA business number. Participants must be a taxable entity (e.g., individual, corporation, or trust), limited partnership, commune, cooperative with GST & business number, or First Nation Band.
- Main farmstead locatedin BC and file farm income tax (form T2042 or T1273) under the Income Tax Act in BC.
- Licensed Aquaculture producers, vertical farm producers, and Federally licensed Cannabis or Hemp producers are exempt from meeting farm tax income requirements, however:
- Aquaculture operations will have to provide their valid aquaculture license number.
- Vertical farm producers must provide documentation demonstrating their farm businesses have achieved the minimum Farm Class Status Equivalent annual gross revenues for the sale of ‘agricultural products’ in the year prior to their application.
- Cannabis or Hemp producers must provide proof of either their standard-cultivators, or industrial hemp license as issued by Health Canada under the Cannabis Act or Industrial Hemp Regulations. The personal production of medicinal cannabis is not eligible for this program.
- Licensed Aquaculture producers, vertical farm producers, and Federally licensed Cannabis or Hemp producers are exempt from meeting farm tax income requirements, however:
- Complete the prerequisite activity(s), if required.
- Some BMP activities require assessments, plans, or engineered designs that must be completed prior. Proof of completion must be submitted at the time of application.
- Concurrent planning/design projects and on-farm equipment/infrastructure projects may be allowed in some cases where projects are not dependent on the final plan or design for the equipment/infrastructure activity or may be waived at the discretion of IAF on a case-by-case basis.
- Some BMP activities require assessments, plans, or engineered designs that must be completed prior. Proof of completion must be submitted at the time of application.
Important Details
- Project activities should not commence prior to approval of the application; retroactive costs are not eligible.
- A per-farm lifetime funding cap of $100,000 has been established for the duration of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) period, which runs from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2028. This cap applies across all BMP categories unless otherwise specified.
- A portion of BMP Program funding is provided by CleanBC and is reserved for select activities that demonstrate a significant and measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions or an increase in carbon sequestration. These eligible activities (or practice codes) are marked with a 🌱symbol. If funding is limited, projects eligible for CleanBC funding may be prioritized over projects that are not.
- Applicants can only apply for each BMP activity (i.e., Practice Code) once per fiscal year. Example: Applicants may not apply to install a new irrigation system (Practice Code 1804) twice in one year.
- Stacking funds from other government programs is permitted so long as the funding received from all government sources does not exceed 100% of project costs.
- IAF has the authority to deny an application if there is evidence of misrepresentation of pertinent information.
- The program policy sets a percentage maximum amount of government funds that can be used towards the total project costs. For the Sustainable CAP, this has been set at 100% of the total eligible costs of the BMP Project.
- In-Kind costs are eligible in specific circumstances.
Ineligible Activities and Expenses
Unless specified in a BMP Practice Code, the following costs are ineligible:
- GST
- Fertilizer, seed, and crop protection products
- Fees for permits, approvals, or legal activities
- Typical farm equipment and related accessories or attachments (including tractors, skid steers, and trailers)
- Costs of ongoing activities
- Maintenance or repair costs
- Financing charges, loan interest payments, bank fees
- Maintenance or extended warranties on equipment, electronics, or technology purchases
- New building construction, including sheds, barns, or storage (for products or by-products), unless specified under a BMP activity.
- Expenses incurred before approval or expenses after the project completion date, unless consent is received from the program.
- Monthly or annual subscription fees (e.g., satellite, cellular, or internet uplinks for data transmission) or monthly or annual rental fees for equipment (e.g., orchard heaters)
- Costs associated with removing and disposing of old equipment (e.g., renting a crane to remove a decommissioned wind machine)
- In-kind costs for the Planning, Technical Assessments and Engineered Designs category or the Extreme Weather Preparedness category.
Applying to the Program
We encourage you to submit a completed application(s) as soon as possible. Applying is not a guarantee of funding.
Notification of application closure will be provided in the BMP Newsletter and posted to this webpage.
Applications will be reviewed and adjudicated on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds are fully committed.
Funding decisions will be provided within 8 weeks of a complete application submission.
Important Program Dates
Applications Open
Submissions Accepted
Applications Close
Project Start
Project Completion
Accessing the IAF Client Portal
To apply to the program, you must first create an IAF Client Portal account and register your organization by navigating to the IAF Client Portal and selecting “Create an account now.”
If you have previously applied to an IAF-delivered program you can skip this step – you’re already registered!
Sign Up & Register
To apply to the program, you must first create an IAF Client Portal account and register your organization by navigating to the IAF Client Portal and selecting “Create an account now.”
If you have previously applied to an IAF-delivered program you can skip this step – you’re already registered!
Starting your BMP Application
To find the application navigate to the ‘Opportunities‘ tab in the IAF Client Portal and select the BMP category you’d like to apply to.
Resources
Funding for these programs have been provided by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a $3.5 billion, 5-year agreement between the federal, provincial and territorial governments. Additional funding has been provided by CleanBC. The program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF).
Please note: the Government of BC may, from time to time, give instructions to IAF in relation to the delivery and administration of this program. IAF must and will comply with those instructions.