Stream 3: Sector-Specific Planting Projects provides producers with financial support to offset planting costs.

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Overview

The priority for 2024/25 Stream 3 projects is to provide funding for producers to off-set the cost of planting. Successful, eligible applicants will be reimbursed for a portion of their plant costs following the completion of planting and a satisfactory field inspection (as applicable).

Approach

Applications

Applications will be reviewed in batches by External Reviewers at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Eligible applications will be approved until all available program funding has been awarded.

Funding Available

PCRP Stream 3 provides cost-shared funding for nursery plant material at 50% of plant costs. The cost of planting will be sector-specific based on average costs but will not exceed the funding limits as outlined below. The value of nursery plant cost share will be set based on average industry plant costs as outlined in the Sector Eligibility Criteria.

The total funds available to Stream 3: Sector-Specific Planting Projects is $6,335,458. Funding availability by commodity type can be found in the table below.

Commodity Allocation % Funding Allocation
Blueberries 34.30% $2,173,062
Raspberries 3.80% $240,747
Cranberries 9.20% $582,862
Other Berries 2.10% $133,044
Apples 12.20% $772,925
Cherries 17.50% $1,108,705
Other Tree Fruit (includes Hazelnuts, Peaches, Nectarines) 4.50% $285,095
Grapes 16.40% The BC wine and grape industry associations, in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, have decided to redirect funds allocated to Grapes under Stream 3 to support resiliency research for the sector. No funds will be available for grapes for Stream 3: Sector-Specific Planting Projects. Visit the BC Wine Grape Council’s website to learn more.

The above allocation is based on the 2022 Stats Canada Farm Gate Value (FGV) and will be subject to available program funds.

Funding Limits/Caps

The allocation of funds to producers will be split based on two criteria:

  • Producers that received PCRP Stream 2 funding for removal activities will be prioritized to receive Stream 3 funding (excluding Blueberries and Cranberries).
  • Residual funds remaining, once all Stream 2 participants have been prioritized, will be allocated to new Stream 3 applicants.

Applicants applying for Stream 3 funding should be aware of the following limits:

  • Acreage Limits: a minimum of one acre to a maximum of 15 acres of continuous planting.
  • Cost-share Ratio: the program can cover up to 50% of nursery plant costs.
Applicant Type Project Funding Limits Cost-shared Ratio
Stream 2 Applicants Maximum: $2,500 per acre 50%
New Stream 3 Applicants Maximum: $7,500 per acre 50%

PCRP has reserved planting dollars for producers who have been approved through Stream 2. This funding will be available once all removal activities have been completed and reported to IAF. This prioritization excludes Blueberry and Cranberry producers accessing Stream 3.

Applicants will be able to apply for the same number of acres they received funding for through Stream 2 at a maximum of $2,500 per acre. Planting sites must match the address and acreage as reported in your Stream 2 removal project. If you received funding for less than 15 acres (the program maximum), applicants may submit a second application for the remaining acres as a ‘New Stream 3 Applicant’. Please note this second application will not be prioritized.

Cranberry and blueberry growers who received Stream 2 funding (removal funding) will not be prioritized. Instead, all Stream 3 applications received, whether from new applicants or from Stream 2 project holders, will be reviewed together in a batch.

Please note funding limits based on Stream 2 funding will still apply. Applicants will be able to apply for the same number of acres they received funding for through Stream 2 at a maximum of $2,500 per acre. Planting sites must match the address and acreage as reported in your Stream 2 removal project. If you received funding for less than 15 acres (the program maximum), applicants may submit a second application for the remaining acres as a ‘New Stream 3 Applicant’.

Applicants who did not receive funding through Stream 2 are encouraged to apply. Remaining funds will be awarded to new Stream 3 applicants, on a first-come, first-served basis based on available funds.

Stacking

Stacking of funds from other government programs is allowed up to 100%, provided other funds are not from select programs delivered by IAF; please visit www.iafbc.ca for a complete program list.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to receive funding under Stream 3, applicants and projects must satisfy the below criteria. Satisfaction of the eligibility criteria does not guarantee that an applicant or project will be selected for funding.

Producer Eligibility

To be considered eligible for this stream, an applicant must:

  • Be located in the province of British Columbia;
  • Be the owner or lessee of the land to be planted;
  • The owner (and in the case of leased property, both owner and lessee) of the land to be planted must maintain the field(s) for at least four years depending on the sector;
  • Be an existing (excluding Hazelnuts) perennial food crop producer.

Eligible Sectors

The following sector groups are eligible to apply for Stream 3 funding, based on the completed Opportunity Assessment by Commodity Associations:

  • Cherries
  • Cranberries
  • Hazelnuts
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Pomme Fruits

Please find the sector-specific eligibility criteria in the section below.

Additional sector groups may be added to this intake as Opportunity Assessments are completed by Industry Groups.

Project Eligibility

  • Planned planting site is in British Columbia
  • Planting occurred or will occur between May 1, 2023 and December 31, 2025  (except for cherry projects)
    • For cherry plantings occurred or will occur between May 1, 2023 and December 31, 2024
  • Minimum eligible acreage per applicant for planting is one acre;
  • Maximum eligible acreage per applicant for planting is 15 acres;
  • Plantings must be a minimum of one contiguous acre;
  • Only nursery plant costs are eligible for cost-shared funding.

Sector-Specific Eligibility Criteria

Cherries

Eligible Cherry Applicants

  • Stream 3 is open to any grower in the province of British Columbia, who has replanted one or more acres of cherries between May 01, 2023 to December 31, 2024, subject to fund availability and general program eligibility guidelines.
  • The applicant must be the owner or lessee of the land to be planted.

Eligible Cherry Planting Projects

The planting of new cherry cultivars will be funded at 50% of total plant costs.

Per plant cost ($) Density (# plants/acre) Plant cost per acre ($)
Cherry (Standard)* $16.00-$22.00 400 $6,400-$8,800

*High-density cherry plantings are also eligible with rationale

Cherry Producers who received Stream 2 funding: 

Applicants who have received funding for a Stream 2 project for removal of cherry trees, will be given priority for funding approval based on actual acres removed, to a maximum of $2,500 per acre of funding at a 50% cost-share. There are NO varietal restrictions for Stream 2 applicants however, applicants should be aware of challenges marketing fruit between June 15 and July 15 due to competition from other Pacific Northwest growing regions.

Cherry Producers who did not receive Stream 2 funding:  

New Stream 3 applicants, who did not receive Stream 2 funding, can apply for a maximum of $7,500 of funding at a 50% cost-share. There are NO varietal restrictions to applicants*. Producers are eligible to apply to replant all commercial varieties however, applicants should be aware of challenges marketing fruit between June 15 and July 15 due to competition from other Pacific Northwest growing regions.

*We request that any questions from growers regarding why these eligibility changes were made mid-intake be directed back to the BC Cherry Association.

All applications must include the following:

  • The planting occurred or will occur between May 2023 and December 2024.
  • The planting site must be in British Columbia.
  • The owner (and in the case of leased property, both the owner and the lessee), must maintain the property as a commercial orchard operation for a period of at least four (4) years from the date of replanting.
    • Qualified growers transitioning trees from Test Trees to Commercial Trees will need to contact Summerland Varieties Corp. (SVC) to sign the necessary Authorized Grower Agreement and pay associated royalties. SVC will then provide a compliance letter for that grower.
  • Minimum eligible acreage per applicant is 1 contiguous acre of planting.
  • Maximum eligible acreage per applicant is 15 acres.
  • Support and irrigation system must be installed and completed at planting time.
  • In addition to other required documents, the following documents must be uploaded with all Stream 3 Cherry applications:
    • Compliance letter from Summerland Varieties Corp. (SVC) to verify ownership and payment of royalties for planted (commercial) trees. The compliance letter is only a requirement for the SVC numbered varieties.
    • Pollinizer plan

Sector-specific eligibility criteria was developed in collaboration with the BC Cherry Association and the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

Cranberries

Eligible Cranberry Applicants

  • The applicant must be an existing cranberry grower in the province of British Columbia.
  • The applicant must be the owner or lessee of the land to be planted.

Eligible Cranberry Planting Projects

The purchase of plugs, vines and/or own source vines are eligible and will be funded at 50% of total plant costs up to the maximum funding per applicant.

Cranberry Producers who received Stream 2 funding: 

Own-source vines: Up to $2,500 / acre at a 50% cost-share ratio for own-source vines based on the submission of a receipt for royalty expansion fees.
Purchased plugs or purchased vines: Up to $2,500 / acre at a 50% cost-share for purchased nursery plant materials.

NOTE: In working with the BC Cranberry Growers’ Association, applications for Stream 3 funding for cranberry growers who received Stream 2 funding (removal funding) will not be prioritized. Instead, all Stream 3 applications received, whether from new applicants or from Stream 2 project holders, will be reviewed together in a batch.

Cranberry Producers who did not receive Stream 2 funding:  

Own-source vines: Up to $2,500 / acre at a 50% cost-share ratio for own-source vines based on the submission of a receipt for royalty expansion fees.
Purchased plugs or purchased vines: Up to $7,500 / acre at a 50% cost-share for purchased nursery plant materials. Cost-share will be capped at the per acre limit, even if actual plant costs exceed this amount.

  • The planting occurred or will occur between May 2023 and December 2025.
  • The planned planting site must be in British Columbia.
  • The owner (and in the case of leased property, both the owner and the lessee), must maintain the property as a commercial cranberry operation for a period of at least four (4) years from the date of replanting.
  • The minimum eligible acreage per applicant is 1 contiguous acre of planting.
  • In addition to other required documents, the following documents must be uploaded with all Stream 3 Cranberry applications:
    • Confirmation of ownership/lease of the land
    • A complete and accurate map of the farm showing location of new planting, location of irrigation water source and road access to the field. Exhibit A map or satellite image is preferred.
    • A budget (Contribution Margin Template) outlining the expected income and expenses per acre once the crop is in full production.
    • BC Cranberry Marketing Commission license

Ineligible:

  • Ineligible Varieties: Stevens, Bergman, Pilgrim, Ben Lear, McFarlin, and Grygleski Hybrid 1 (GH1)

Sector-specific eligibility criteria was developed in collaboration with the BC Cranberry Growers’ Association and BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

Hazelnuts

Eligible Hazelnut Applicants

  • The applicant must be a new or existing hazelnut grower in the province of British Columbia.
  • The applicant must be the owner or lessee of the land to be planted.

Eligible Hazelnut Planting Projects

The planting of new, disease-resistant hazelnut orchards will be funded at 50% of total plant (bare root) costs up to the maximum funding limit per applicant.

Per plant cost ($) Density (# plants/acre) Plant cost per acre ($)
$11.00-$16.00 130-260 $1,430-$4,160

Stream 2 Applicants: Applicants who have received funding for a Stream 2 removal project, will be given priority for funding approval based on actual acres removed, to a maximum of $2,500 in cost-share funding. Applicants can submit a second application to request cost-sharing up to a maximum of 15 acres per farm operation.

New Stream 3 Applicants: New Stream 3 applicants can apply for a maximum of $7,500 of cost-shared funding or 15 acres per farm operation.

  • Applicants must be planting EFB-resistant cultivars.
  • The planting occurred or will occur between May 2023 and December 2025.
  • The planned planting site must be in British Columbia.
  • The owner (and in the case of leased property, both the owner and the lessee), must maintain the property as a commercial orchard operation for a period of at least four (4) years from the date of replanting.
  • Planting stock must have been ordered from a commercial nursery that have followed the instructions of the CFIA Directive “D-00-03: Import requirements from the United States and domestic movement requirements for material to prevent the introduction of Eastern filbert blight into British Columbia.
  • The minimum eligible acreage per applicant for planting new orchards is one contiguous acre of planting. 
  • Support and irrigation system must be installed and completed at planting time.
  • The following required documents must be uploaded with all Stream 3 hazelnut applications:
    • A renewal plan (including orchard plot plan) signed by recognized horticulturalist or agrologist, in addition to all other required documents.

Blueberries

Eligible Blueberry Applicants

  • The applicant must be an existing blueberry grower in the province of British Columbia.
  • The applicant must be the owner or lessee of the land to be planted.

Eligible Blueberry Planting Projects

The planting of new IQF or fresh market varieties will be funded at 50% of total plant costs up to the maximum funding limit per applicant.

Per plant cost ($) Density (# plants/acre) Plant cost per acre ($)
$5.50-$6.00 1,480-1,742 $8,140-$10,452

Stream 2 Applicants: The priority designation for Stream 2 funded producers does not apply to Blueberries; all eligible blueberry producers applying for planting projects (Stream 3) will be given equal consideration. Applicants will be eligible to receive up to $2,500 per acre of funding based on actual acres removed. A second application can be submitted to request cost-sharing up to a maximum of 15 acres per farm operation.

New Stream 3 Applicants: New stream 3 applicants can apply for a maximum of $7,500 of funding to a maximum of 15 acres per farm operation.

  • The planting occurred or will occur between May 2023 and December 2025.
  • The planned planting site must be in British Columbia.
  • The owner (and in the case of leased property, both the owner and the lessee), must maintain the property as a commercial orchard operation for a period of at least four (4) years from the date of replanting.
  • The minimum eligible acreage per applicant is one contiguous acre of planting.
  • Support and irrigation system must be installed and completed at planting time.
  • The following required documents must be uploaded with all Stream 3 blueberry applications:
    • Blueberry Scorch Virus management plan (How do you plan to protect crop?)
    • Food safety certificate (from last harvest season)
    • Confirmation of relationship with a marketer/shipper/packer (previous year’s contract and payment summary slip, or letter from marketer/shipper/packer.

Ineligible Projects:

  • Planting of the blueberry cultivars Duke and Elliot are ineligible for Stream 3 funding.

Raspberries

Eligible Raspberry Applicants

  • The applicant must be an existing raspberry grower in the province of British Columbia.
  • The applicant must be the owner or lessee of the land to be planted.

Eligible Raspberry Varieties

To view the list of eligible Raspberry varieties visit the resource section below.

Eligible Raspberry Planting Projects

The planting of new IQF or fresh market varieties will be funded at 50% of total plant costs up to the maximum funding limit per applicant.

Per plant cost ($) Density (# plants/acre) Plant cost per acre ($)
$2.90-$4.00 1,800-2,200 $5,220-$8,800

Stream 2 Applicants: Applicants who have received funding for a Stream 2 removal project, will be given priority for funding approval based on actual acres removed, to a maximum of $2,500 per acre of funding at a 50% cost-share. Applicants can submit a second application to request cost-sharing up to a maximum of 15 acres per farm operation.

New Stream 3 Applicants: New stream 3 applicants can apply for a maximum of $7,500 of funding at a 50% cost-share to a maximum of 15 acres per farm operation.

  • The planting occurred or will occur between May 2023 and December 2025.
  • The planned planting site must be in British Columbia.
  • The owner (and in the case of leased property, both the owner and the lessee), must maintain the property as a commercial orchard operation for a period of at least four (4) years from the date of replanting.
  • The minimum eligible acreage per applicant for planting is one contiguous acre of planting.
  • The following required documents must be uploaded with all Stream 3 raspberry applications:
    • Confirmation of relationship with a marketer/shipper/packer (previous year’s contract and payment summary slip, or letter from marketer/shipper/packer);
  • Support and irrigation system must be installed and completed at planting time.

Pomme Fruits

Eligible Pomme Fruit Applicants

  • The applicant must be an existing pomme fruit (apples, pears) grower in the province of British Columbia.
  • The applicant must be the owner or lessee of the land to be planted.

Eligible Pomme Fruit Planting Projects

The planting of new pomme fruits (apples, pears) cultivars will be funded at 50% of total plant costs up to the maximum funding limit per applicant.

Per plant cost ($) Density (# plants/acre) Plant cost per acre ($)
Unprotected Cultivar $12.00 1,200 $14,400
Protected Cultivar $18.00 2,200 $39,600

Stream 2 Applicants: Applicants who have received funding for a Stream 2 removal project, will be given priority for funding approval based on actual acres removed, to a maximum of $2,500 per acre of funding at a 50% cost-share. Applicants can submit a second application to request cost-sharing up to a maximum 15 acres per farm operation.

New Stream 3 Applicants: New stream 3 applicants can apply for a maximum of $7,500 of funding at a 50% cost-share to a maximum of 15 acres per farm operation.

  • The planting occurred or will occur between May 2023 and December 2025.
  • The planned planting site must be in British Columbia.
  • The owner (and in the case of leased property, both the owner and the lessee), must maintain the property as a commercial orchard operation for a period of at least four (4) years from the date of replanting.
  • The minimum eligible acreage per applicant for planting is one contiguous acre.
  • Support and irrigation system must be installed and completed at planting time.
  • Eligible varieties: Cripps Pink, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Ambrosia
  • For apple varieties not included on eligibility list, applicants must include strong marketing and horticultural justification for review.
  • Applicants must identify and justify pear variety(ies) they propose to replant for horticultural expert review.
  • (If applicable) Technologies and techniques proposed for increased yields and high-quality packouts should be detailed.

Ineligible Applicants 

  • Annual crop producers, forage producers, non-commercial producers, and farmland outside of BC.
  • Sectors that do not have an opportunity assessment completed and pre-approved by AF
  • Producers that do not meet sector-specific criteria identified in the opportunity assessment (e.g. size of operation)

Ineligible Activities and Expenses

  • Interplanting in existing orchards (planting young plants between each existing plant in the row)
  • Cultivars not aligned with sector-identified agronomic or market opportunities completed by Industry Associations/Councils
  • Ineligible Sector-Specific Criteria as outlined in the eligibility criteria
  • Projects requesting funds to support wine/grape plantings. Following industry request, funding allocated to the wine and grape sector has been redirected to support resiliency research projects currently underway.

Applications

Important Dates

Cranberries

Cranberry applicants can start drafting their Stream 3 applications on the IAF Client Portal beginning May 28, 2024. Applicants can view and draft an application including asking questions, collecting necessary information/quotes, viewing, drafting, and saving your application, followed by the submission window.

Following the draft stage, Stream 3 Cranberry applicants can submit applications beginning June 25, 2024, at 9 AM. Applications will close on July 3, 2024, at 4 PM.

Application Drafts Open: May 28, 2024
Application Submissions Open: June 25, 2024, at 9 AM
Applications Close: July 3, 2024, at 4 PM

Cherries

Cherry applicants can start drafting their Stream 3 applications on the IAF Client Portal beginning July 9, 2024. Applicants can view and draft an application including asking questions, collecting necessary information/quotes, viewing, drafting, and saving your application, followed by the submission window.

Following the draft stage, Stream 3 Cherry applicants can submit applications beginning August 20, 2024, at 9 AM. Applications will close on August 27, 2024, at 4 PM.

Application Drafts Open: July 9, 2024
Application Submissions Open: August 20, 2024, at 9 AM
Applications Close: August 27, 2024, at 4 PM

Note: Applications for hazelnuts, blueberries, raspberries, and pomme fruits (apples and pears) were open from March 18, 2024, to April 22, 2024, at 4 PM.

Project Start Date

It is recommended that applications are received at least 2 months before the planting date to allow for application review. Please note that applying is not a guarantee of funding; all costs incurred prior to approval are at the applicant’s risk.

The purchase of plants or plantings that took place on or after May 1, 2023 are eligible. All project start dates will be confirmed at application approval.

Application Process

Applicants will apply through the IAF Client Portal. The application process and required documents are specific to each funding stream. The application process will generally consist of:

  • Create a personal profile (name and email)

  • Organization information, including:
    • Name
    • contact details
    • type of organization
    • BC ID / CRA numbers
    • primary contact
    • and more

NOTE: It can take up to two business days for IAF Staff to verify your Organization Registration.

Select the Perennial Crop Renewal Program funding Stream 3 from Funding Opportunities, and provide:

  • Farm/property location/acreage
  • Lessee/Ownership information
  • Select sector group/region
  • Select project start & end dates
  • Applicant experience
  • Proposed planting site and details (including irrigation plan, varieties, plant costs)
  • Additional information and performance measures (if applicable)

The following documents must be submitted with all Stream 3 applications

  • A completed (including attestation) Stream 3 Planting Project Application Form.
  • Confirmation of ownership/lease of the land
  • A complete and accurate map of the farm showing location of new planting (including pollinizers), location of irrigation water source and road access to the field. A satellite image or a city web map with field area outlined is preferred
  • A copy of a detailed soil sample results including macronutrient and micronutrient analysis taken from the planting site within the previous 12 months
  • A copy of the nursery tree order (nursery confirmation of tree order or copy of root stock purchase).
  • A budget (Contribution Margin Template) outlining the expected income and expenses per acre once the crop is in full production.
  • Sector-specific compliance documents as outlined in the Appendices below.

These documents can be uploaded through the IAF Client Portal as attachments to the application.

IAF staff are available to answer questions regarding eligible activities, costs and/or the application process. IAF may also contact applicants for additional information or clarification to assess or strengthen their application.

IAF staff are available to answer questions regarding eligible activities, costs and/or the application process. IAF may also contact applicants for additional information or clarification to assess or strengthen their application.

Applicants can contact pcrp(at)iafbc.ca with any questions about the program or to receive support in developing their application.

Applicants are encouraged to include only activities they are confident will be completed on time and within budget limits.

Need help with IAF’s Client Portal?

We’ve created a number of tutorials and FAQs about the IAF Client Portal to help you navigate this resource successfully.

Review and Adjudication

Applications will be reviewed for application completeness and eligibility by the IAF. Applications that meet program eligibility requirements will then move through External Review. These applications will be evaluated and scored by Industry Specialist(s) from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to provide funding recommendations to IAF.

The applicant may be requested to provide further information or make changes to an application to improve the quality of the project prior to funding decision.

Application assessments will be based on, but not limited to, the criteria below:

  • Applicant experience (if applicable) growing this crop on a commercial scale;
  • Applicant experience growing this crop for target market;
  • Applicant experience growing perennial crops on a commercial scale;
  • Likelihood of horticultural success of the proposed planting;
  • Variety has traits suitable for intended market;
  • Likelihood of market success;
  • Quality of planting plan (strength and quality of application);

Applications will be reviewed in batches. IAF will provide an update from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food on the amount of time each application review will take starting from the submission date.

Applications that best align with the above evaluation criteria will be offered funding first – starting with successful Stream 2 applicants. Applications will be considered in batches until all available funding is committed.

Applications that do not meet program eligibility criteria or are not successful during the external review process, will need to re-apply for future consideration. All adjudication decisions are final.

Important Funding Information: Submission of an application does not guarantee funding of the submitted project. Please note the IAF expects that the program will be fully subscribed. A waitlist may be created once the funding is fully allocated to approved projects.

Notifications & Obligations

Funding Notifications & Contracts

If the project is approved, IAF will inform the applicant of the details of the decision and any associated terms and conditions by email (do-not-reply.grants@fluxx.io) within eight weeks of the application close date. Please be advised that this timeline may be extended as applications must go through a technical review. The applicant then enters into an agreement with IAF which outlines the obligations of each party. Contribution Agreements will be sent to approved applicants via DocuSign for signature.
Funding is application and project-specific and must be used for the approved project and related expenses. Funds are non-transferable.
Approved Stream 3: Sector-Specific Planting Projects, must be completed by or before December 31, 2025. Retroactive reimbursements will be considered for eligible costs; eligible applicants are able to submit back dated receipts (i.e. nursery plant order) to May 1, 2023, if the expense has not previously been cost-shared.
If the project is not approved, the applicant will receive a written response via email (do-not-reply.grants@fluxx.io) from IAF.

Reporting Requirements and Payments

Successful applicants must complete a final report and field inspection (if applicable) prior to receiving a funding payment from the program.
Payments to approved applicants will be conditional upon applicants carrying out their projects, as detailed in the Project Plan, and reporting to IAF. The payment amount will be subjected to the details of the approved Project Plan such as, but not limited to:

  • The allocated maximum number of plants per project.
  • The allocated maximum number of acres per farm operation.
  • The allocated maximum funding approved per applicant.

A producer should aim to submit their final report following the completed planting, at the end of the first growing season. Projects that appear to be fraudulent or inaccurate at any point by IAF will be rendered ineligible for payment.
Project reporting is completed by a successful applicant through the IAF Client Portal. Reports must be submitted with all required information. Please retain all invoices and receipts, you may be asked to submit some or all receipt/invoices following a review of your report(s) by the IAF Team. Expenses for Stream 3 Planting Projects will be reimbursed based on audited receipts, financial report and the approved project budget. All reporting will be completed via the IAF Client Portal.

Changes to Contracted Projects

If you are not able to complete your project or require a change, please inform the IAF Team as soon as possible using the IAF Client Portal.

Funding Acknowledgement

This program is funded by the Government of BC, as such acknowledgement of funding is required when publicly communicating about a project and/or funding. To ensure appropriate acknowledgement, all communications and marketing materials, including public announcements or social media posts, must be pre-approved by the IAF Communications Team. Materials can be submitted via the IAF Client Portal.

Field Inspections and Site Verification

If your project is selected to participate in a program audit and on-site field inspection, final payments for audited projects will be based on the outcome of the inspection and the Ministry’s assessment of the project’s progress.

During an inspection, the Ministry will undertake the following actions:

  • Verify site location of removal as application and map
  • Verify number of trees removed
  • Ensure the proper removal/disposal of affected trees and supporting infrastructure
  • Assess quality of removal project
  • May take photos and GPS measurements

Final payments will be issued within 4-6 weeks after the completion of a final report OR field inspection if applicable.

Evaluation Criteria

All applications will be evaluated based on a set of pre-determined criteria. The following are examples of evaluation criteria and considerations that will be used to score each application during External Review with Industry Specialists:

Stream 3: Sector-Specific Planting Projects Evaluation Criteria
  • Applicant experience growing crop on a commercial scale
  • Applicant experience growing this crop for target market
  • Applicant experience growing perennial crops on a commercial scale
  • Likelihood of horticultural success of the proposed planting
  • Variety has traits suitable for intended market
  • Likelihood of market success
  • Quality of replant plan (strength and quality of application)

Ready to Apply?

Stream 3 applications are closed.

Resources

FAQ

The compliance letter from Summerland Varieties Corp. (SVC) must verify ownership and payment of royalties from planted (commercial) trees. Growers will need to contract SVC to sign the Authorized Grower Agreement and pay associated royalties to convert Test Trees to Commercial Trees. Upon completion, an “SVC Letter” will be issued for the grower.

Note: The compliance letter is only a requirement for the SVC numbered varieties (SPC-342, SPC-495, SPC-424, SPC-414, and SPC-411).

No. Test trees are owned by Summerland Varieties Corp. and are subject to a Testing Agreement that requires removal and destruction at the end of the testing period unless converted to Commercial Trees. 

If you have been approved for funding through Stream 2, you must have completed all project activities and reported to IAF before applying for Stream 3.

Applicants can apply for the same number of acres they received funding for through Stream 2 at a maximum of $2,500 per acre. Planting sites must match the address and acreage as reported in your Stream 2 removal project. If you received funding for less than 15 acres (the program maximum), applicants may submit a second application for the remaining acres as a ‘New Stream 3 Applicant’, with maximum funding of $7,500 per acre. Please note this second application will not be prioritized.

All applications from blueberry producers will be prioritized equally, whether they received funding through Stream 2 or not. Please note funding limits based on Stream 2 funding will still apply.

Applicants can apply for the same number of acres they received funding for through Stream 2 at a maximum of $2,500 per acre. Planting sites must match the address and acreage as reported in your Stream 2 removal project. If you received funding for less than 15 acres (the program maximum), applicants may submit a second application for the remaining acres as a ‘New Stream 3 Applicant’, with maximum funding of $7,500 per acre.

Yes. Applicants who did not receive funding through Stream 2 are encouraged to apply. Following the prioritization of Stream 2 applicants, the remaining funds will be awarded to new Stream 3 applicants, on a first-come, first-served basis based on available funds.

For a sector to be eligible for Stream 3, the industry group(s) must complete a Market Opportunity Assessment first. Once a Market Opportunity Assessment has been completed, the industry group(s) will work with the Ministry to finalize all eligibility criteria for that sector and varieties to be planted. When the criteria are finalized, the sector will be added to the Stream 3 application intake.

It is recommended that applications are received at least 2 months before the planting date to allow for application review. Please note that applying is not a guarantee of funding; all costs incurred prior to approval are at the applicant’s risk.

Your organization must register through the IAF Client Portal to apply to IAF programs. Please note, if you have not already registered, this process can take up to 2 business days and must be completed before the application deadline.

The following documents must be submitted with all Stream 3 applications:

  • A completed (including attestation) Stream 3 Planting Project Application Form.
  • Confirmation of ownership/lease of the land
  • A complete and accurate map of the farm showing location of new planting (including pollinizers), location of irrigation water source and road access to the field. A satellite image or a city web map with field area outlined is preferred
  • A copy of a detailed soil sample results including macronutrient and micronutrient analysis taken from the planting site within the previous 12 months
  • A copy of the nursery tree order (nursery confirmation of tree order or copy of root stock purchase).
  • A budget (Contribution Margin Template) outlining the expected income and expenses per acre once the crop is in full production.
  • Sector-specific compliance documents as outlined in the Appendices below.

A farm business is a separate legal entity which can enter into contracts that either owns or leases the land which project activities will occur on.

IAF provides payments by EFT (direct deposit). To get your EFT information set up to ensure timely delivery of your payment(s) please follow the directions provided here to update your client portal.

Please provide the status of the permit and any supporting documentation at the time of application.

All recipients are required to comply with all necessary laws and regulations.

No, GST is not eligible for reimbursement.

Within the Okanagan, TerraLink offers soil sampling services at their Okanagan head office located in Lake Country. Sample bags can be picked up and dropped off at Beaver Lake Court in Lake Country. Growers can contact 1-877-893-3292 for more information.

Have a Question?

Contact the IAF Team

Stream 3 Project Guidelines

Download the Perennial Crop Renewal Stream 3 Project Guidelines.

Funding Acknowledgement Requirements

Download the Funding Acknowledgement Requirements for the Perennial Crop Renewal Program.

Have a Current Project?

Please visit the program’s Project Resource Hub for more information.

General

The following resources have been provided by the Ministry of Agriculture & Food to assist applicants in their project development.

Land Stewardship Resources for the Fraser Valley:

Download Delta Farmland Wildlife Trust’s programs, including cover cropping fact sheets.

Selecting Plants for Pollinators

Download Pollinator Partnership Canada’s ‘Selecting Plants for Pollinators’ regional guide for the lower mainland.

Food for Bees

View BC Ministry of Agriculture’s Food for Bees webpage.

Cherries

The following resources have been provided by the Ministry of Agriculture & Food to assist applicants in their project development.

Cherry Eligibility Criteria

Download the Cherry Eligibility Criteria.

Integrated Fruit Production Guide

Visit BC Tree Fruit Production Guide.

Cranberries

The following resources have been provided by the Ministry of Agriculture & Food to assist applicants in their project development.

Cranberry Eligibility Criteria

Download the Cranberry Eligibility Criteria.

BC Cranberry Marketing Commission

Visit BC’s Cranberry Marketing Commission’s website.

BC Cranberry Research Farm Varietal Trail

View the BC Cranberry Research Farm Varietal Trail results (requires account registration).

BC Cranberry Variety Assessment 2022 Final Report

View the BC Cranberry Variety Assessment 2022 final report.

BC Cranberry Congress Presentations

View the BC Cranberry Congress Presentations.

BC Cranberry Research Farm Videos

View the BC Cranberry Research Farm videos.

BC Cranberry Insect Pest Identification Guide

View the BC Cranberry Insect Pest Identification Guide.

Hazelnuts

The following resources have been provided by the Ministry of Agriculture & Food to assist applicants in their project development.

Hazelnut Eligibility Criteria

Download the Hazelnut Eligibility Criteria.

BC Hazelnut Production Guide

Visit BC’s Hazelnut Production Guide webpage.

BC Hazelnut Reference Guide

Download the Hazelnut Reference Guide.

Raspberries

The following resources have been provided by the Ministry of Agriculture & Food to assist applicants in their project development.

Raspberry Eligibility Criteria

Download the Raspberry Eligibility Criteria.

Eligible Raspberry Varieties

Download the list of eligible raspberry varieties for the Perennial Crop Renewal Program. For raspberry varieties not included on the eligibility list, applicants must include strong marketing and horticultural justification for review.

BC Raspberry Production Guide

Visit BC’s Raspberry Production Guide Webpage.

Raspberry Nursery List

View the 2023-2024 Raspberry and Blackberry Nursery List by the North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association.

Raspberry Cultivars for the Pacific Northwest

Download Oregon State University’s publication ‘Raspberry Cultivars for the Pacific Northwest’ from 2014.

Blueberries

The following resources have been provided by the Ministry of Agriculture & Food to assist applicants in their project development.

Blueberry Eligibility Criteria

Download the Blueberry Eligibility Criteria.

BC Blueberry Production Guide

View the BC Blueberry Production Guide.

2019 Blueberry Enterprise Budgets

View the 2019 Blueberry Enterprise Budgets on the BC government website.

Pomme Fruits

The following resources have been provided by the Ministry of Agriculture & Food to assist applicants in their project development.

Pomme Fruits Eligibility Criteria

Download the Pomme Fruits Eligibility Criteria.

BC Tree Fruit Production Guide

View the BC Tree Fruit Production Guide.

CAP Logo, Province of BC Logo, Government of Canada Logo

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.