In Canada, the agricultural funding program for the province of British Columbia has recently been revitalized, and one of the new aspects is the addition of regenerative agriculture funding stream. The rise of regenerative agriculture was heralded back in 2002 in the groundbreaking book, The Restoration Economy.
Lana Popham, BC’s Minister of Agriculture and Food, said “We are always looking at ways to continue supporting B.C. producers and processors as they provide a crucial role in our provincial food security and economy. By adding a regenerative agriculture funding stream, we are committed to a B.C. food system that is more sustainable and resilient.”
BC agriculture producers and processors can now apply for funding to help increase both innovation and climate resilience as they compete with the international market.
The Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program (KTTP) began accepting applications on September 1, 2022, with three funding streams, including a the stream for regenerative agriculture practices:
- Stream 1 – Subject Matter Expert for Knowledge Development
Cost-share eligible amount: as much as $1,500
Subject matter expert activities include conferences, events, annual general meetings and community meetings. - Stream 2 – Hands-on Learning for Skill and Knowledge Development
Cost-share eligible amount: as much as $7,500
Activities that support the development of skills include field days, research trials, farm tours, technology training, hands-on workshops, or focus on importance of adult learning with a gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) perspective. - Stream 3 – Regenerative Agriculture Activities
Cost-share eligible amount: as much as $7,500
Activities with regenerative agriculture practices include field days, research trials, farm tours, technology training, hands-on workshops or focus on importance of adult learning and focus on GBA+ perspectives.
The KTTP aims to increase the competitiveness, resiliency and innovation of British Columbia’s agriculture and food sector through facilitated knowledge and technology sharing. In the spring 2022 intake, 20 applications were approved with $91,500 in funding.
Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food said “Our government recognizes the tremendous potential new technologies bring to strengthening and sustainably growing B.C.’s agriculture sector. By investing in the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program, we are supporting producers throughout the province in their efforts to adopt innovative solutions to ensure a resilient food system that benefits all Canadians.”
Projects under the KTTP are funded by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The partnership is a five-year $3-billion commitment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen and grow Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors.
This includes a $2-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
Photo of pumpkins on a farm in British Columbia is by James Wheeler from Pixabay.
Learn more about the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program.