$228 Million Flood recovery program helping B.C. farms return to production

B.C. farmers who suffered extraordinary damages in last year’s devastating floods will have access to up to $228 million in federal-provincial government support to help their farms return to production and support British Columbia’s food security and agricultural communities in the years ahead

Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau and British Columbia Agriculture Minister Lana Popham announced the Canada-BC Flood Recovery for Food Security Program, which will be delivered by the Government of British Columbia and will leverage the federal government’s AgriRecovery Framework and Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA).

“The B.C. agricultural community has pulled together and demonstrated its strength and determination in the face of devastating floods,” Bibeau stated. “There is still a long way to go, but the Government of Canada will continue to work with the Government of British Columbia to support our farmers. We are here to help them rebuild so they can quickly get back to doing what they do best: producing high-quality food for Canadians.”

“The Canada-BC AgriRecovery Team has worked hard to build this comprehensive program to help producers get back to doing what they do best“ 

 

“Our government will continue to be there for families, farmers, and communities in British Columbia as they recover from the devastating floods and extreme weather events that hit the province last November,” said Bill Blair, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness. “We know that building back in the aftermath of a disaster is a long and difficult road, which is why we’re here to support all of those who need help – every step of the way. Together, we will get through this.”

The Canada-BC Flood Recovery Program for Food Security will help farmers who have incurred extraordinary expenses from uninsurable damages such as:

• Clean-up, repair and restoration of land, barns and animal shelter, water and waste systems; returning flood impacted land and buildings to a safe environment for agricultural production
• Repair of uninsurable essential farm infrastructure; reasonable repair of on-farm structures such as livestock containment fences, and the rental of temporary production facilities drainage ditches and riprap
• Animal welfare; replacement feed as well as livestock transportation, veterinary care and mortality disposal
• Loss of perennial plants not raised for resale

“The BC poultry industry is extremely pleased with the work of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries and the Government of Canada in listening to the industry and addressing its immediate needs during last November’s Atmospheric River event,” added Harvey Sasaki, chair, BC Chicken Marketing Board. “The industry welcomes the announced funding which will go a long way in supporting industry recovery from the unprecedented damage caused by last November’s Atmospheric River event.”

The response was designed following extensive consultation with agricultural organizations and individual farmers in the different disaster areas.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia have also established a committee of federal and provincial ministers who are working together and with Indigenous leadership to guide immediate and ongoing support to British Columbia families, businesses, and communities affected by the extreme weather events.

“2021 has proven to be one of the most challenging years for B.C. ranchers and farmers,” Kevin Boon, general manager, BC Cattlemen’s Association said. “With the extraordinary events of severe drought, wildfires, and flooding it is extremely important to our food security in the province and to the sustainability of our food producers that they have the support to rebuild from these disasters. The Canada-BC AgriRecovery Team has worked hard to build this comprehensive program to help producers get back to doing what they do best, raising the food British Columbians depend on.”

Farmers who have already undertaken any work are advised to keep their receipts, track the hours of work involved, and take pictures documenting the damage and repairs to support their application.

“As the organization representing British Columbia’s farmers and ranchers, BC Agriculture Council wishes to thank Ministers Bibeau and Popham, government staff, first responders, and British Columbians for your incredible demonstration of support to the agriculture sector since the weather events in November,” said Stan Vander Waal, President of BC Agriculture Council. “Today’s announcement will bring a sense of relief to many impacted farmers and ranchers, and we know it will offer support that is urgently needed. By combining AgriRecovery with the Disaster Financial Assistance program for producers, the provincial and federal governments have reduced eligibility barriers, provided higher compensation rates, and alleviated much of the administrative burden we would have otherwise seen. BCAC looks forward to industry and government working together during this next stage of recovery.”

Program criteria and application forms are available at gov.bc.ca/agrifloodrecovery. One-on-one assistance in English and Punjabi is available to farmers requiring assistance completing the applications through agrirecovery@gov.bc.ca or 1 888 332 3352.