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Funding open to B.C. greenhouse operators affected by wildfires

B.C.’s greenhouse operators are eligible to receive funding for extraordinary expenses incurred as a result of this year’s wildfires.

Funded through the 2021 Canada-British Columbia Wildfire and Drought AgriRecovery Initiative, extraordinary expenses include replacing critical infrastructure that is not insurable and was damaged or destroyed in the fires.

For B.C. greenhouse operators, the AgriRecovery application would be made under the ‘Crops and bees application package.’ This would provide support when fire has destroyed a greenhouse facility and the operators must rent an alternate facility so production can be continued. The deadline for application is Jan. 31, 2022.

“This year’s drought and fires have been incredibly difficult for many B.C. ranchers and farmers, and the B.C. government is here to help them keep their livelihoods and the province’s food security and economy moving forward,” said Lana Popham, B.C. Minister of Agriculture. “The $20-million response package we’ve put together will help B.C. ranchers maintain their breeding stock, continue their operations and continue to supply British Columbians with food grown and raised in our province.”

AgriRecovery is a federal-provincial-territorial disaster relief framework to help agricultural producers with the extraordinary costs associated with recovering from natural disasters. Eligible costs will be supported on the 60-40 cost-shared federal-provincial basis outlined under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

B.C. operators can access information and applications for the AgriRecovery program online: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/2021-wildfire-and-drought-agrirecovery-initiative

In addition to AgriRecovery, AgriStability is another program which provides support when producers experience a large income decline. Note that the reference limit was removed for 2021 and 2022. B.C. greenhouse operators that are not currently enrolled in the 2021 AgriStability program year can apply to enrol up until December 31, 2022.

For more information about the 2021 Canada-British Columbia Wildfire and Drought AgriRecovery Initiative, producers can call 1 888 332 3352 or email: AgriRecovery@gov.bc.ca.