Applications are open for the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
The average age of farmers in B.C. is getting higher, and the provincial and federal governments are taking steps to help solidify the future of the ag sector.
In 2001, for example, the average age of a farmer in B.C. was about 50. In 2021, the average age of a farmer in the province was 56, Stats Canada data shows. And during that same time, B.C. also lost 83,740 farmers.
To help support young farmers, B.C. and Ottawa launched the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program.
The program is receiving $600,000 through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
“Young farmers are the future of Canada’s agriculture and agrifood sectors, and it’s important that we support them,” Lawrence MacAulay, federal minister of agriculture and agri-food, said in a statement. “Investments through this program will provide more farmers in British Columbia with the tools they need to succeed and contribute to a strong, local food supply.”
Farmers have until Nov. 30 to apply for assistance.
Under this program, a new entrant farm business is defined as a “farm that has not reported farm income for more than five years.”
The program has two phases.
Phase one supports business planning and growth strategies. Phase two supports the implementation of the strategy and includes funding for infrastructure and equipment.
“By providing this support, farmers can map out their future and then purchase what they need to succeed as a business, while also strengthening the economy and food supply in their communities,” Pam Alexis, B.C.’s minister of agriculture, said in a statement.
Only those approved for phase one can apply for phase two.
The new entrant program is an update to the Small Farm Business Acceleration Pilot Program. B.C. launched this program in 2021 to support farmers during the pandemic.
First-generation farmers Erin Abercrombie and Madison Whale own Puzzlegrass Farms in the Naramata region, where they operate a community-supported agriculture program.
They used funding to purchase a shed, seeding greenhouse and other materials.
"The funding from the program allowed us to build infrastructure on our farm that was necessary to grow our business. Not only did it improve our farm, but we were able to hire a contractor who was able to start her own business as well. For that we are so grateful,” Whale said in a statement.