In BC, the Thompson/Nicola region has a rich history of farming, but many local farmers faced challenges in adopting sustainable practices that would benefit both their operations and the environment. The Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) program offers farmers the resources and guidance they needed to implement effective strategies.
Elaine Ward, a local farmer who received funding from the BMP program, shares her experience: “This has been a huge project. We are so looking forward to the increase in production while conserving water. Thank you for this opportunity.”
One of the key components of the BMP program is its focus on water management.
“B.C.’s climate is changing. Hotter temperatures, insufficient snow accumulation, faster spring snowmelt, glacier loss, and reduced precipitation over extended periods of time can cause drought and water scarcity. As the climate continues to warm, drought and resulting water scarcity will become more common.” (ClimateReadyBC)
The Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) Program works to help producers contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment with projects that improve waste management, air quality control, emissions control, soil and riparian integrity, and environmental impacts.
Within the Ward’s project, replacing the wheel lines with a centre pivot and installing HDPE mainline updated their irrigation system brought it into alignment with industry standards. With the mainline replaced with buried HDPE and the wheel lines replaced with a drop rotator centre pivot, an excess of at least 25% in water savings has been achieved.
The BMP program has played a vital role in transforming farming practices in the Thompson/Nicola region. Farmers like Elaine Ward exemplify the success that can be achieved when sustainable practices are embraced.
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).
