Delta-based Pure Sunfarms — which operates one of the world’s largest cannabis greenhouse facilities — has become the first cannabis producer in the province to secure funding for a wildlife enhancement project.
According to a press release, the initiative will “transform 1.5 acres of Pure Sunfarms’ Delta property to create a natural habitat supporting native bird and aquatic species.”
The project received partial funding from the province’s Beneficial Management Practices program, which, per the Government of British Columbia website, “provides cost-share funding to producers to cover equipment purchases, energy/greenhouse gases projects, irrigation projects, construction projects, riparian projects and water projects, and more.”
The 2023/24 year is the first in which the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food has allowed cannabis producers to participate without ‘Farm Class’ land.
“I want to thank the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture for including cannabis producers in their initiatives,” said Orville Bovenschen, President of Pure Sunfarms. “It marks a huge step forward in recognizing our business as an important contributor to agriculture in British Columbia.”
As a result of its involvement in the program, Pure Sunfarms has introduced more than 800 plants, trees and shrubs across its property. These include Red Alder, Douglas Fir and Black Hawthorn trees, and plants and native shrubs such as the Pacific Willow and the Nootka Rose.
Sunfarms’ project will provide a habitat for local wildlife, including the population of Delta’s designated Important Bird Area, which includes resident and migratory birds including waterfowls, raptors, cranes and other wading birds.
