Higher temperatures, more precipitation, and extreme weather events; farmers in B.C. are feeling the effects of climate change.
To help farmers and ranchers mitigate the risk of climate change, the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF) is working with industry and government to deliver two programs which focus on climate adaptation. These two programs, the CAP: Beneficial Management Practices (CAP-BMP) Program and the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund (BCCAF), help farmers tackle climate change through the adoption of Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs).
So what is a BMP?
A BMP is a practice or technology that helps to mitigate environment risk. An example of a BMP could be fencing livestock away from waterways to protect and improve ecosystem health. CAP-BMP and BCCAF each provide funding for a range of BMP categories to help farmers and ranchers tackle a variety of environmental concerns. The two programs recognize that every farm and ranch are unique and work to offer tailored solutions for each producer.
CAP-BMP is one of two complementary programs, its partner being the Environment Farm Plan (EFP) Program. The EFP program identifies farm-specific environmental risks and the CAP-BMP program then provides funding to support implementation of the actions to address these risks. A producer must have an approved and valid EFP to be eligible to participate in the CAP-BMP program.
There are more than 70 categories of practices and actions funded through CAP-BMP, including: building soil fertility and health; manure treatment; enhancing and conserving biodiversity; and irrigation improvement. For more than 17 years the program has helped B.C. farms and ranches tackle climate adaptation projects.
The BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund is focused on three specific BMPs: Nitrogen Management, Cover Cropping, and Rotational Grazing. When implemented correctly, these BMPs help store carbon and reduce greenhouse gases.
These two programs highlight the support provided by the Governments of BC and Canada to help farmers and ranchers tackle climate change. CAP-BMP is a fundamental program under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, and BCCAF is supported by Canada’s On Farm Climate Action Fund which is a part of the Agriculture Climate Solutions Initiative.
CAP-BMP and BCCAF will be accepting applications this fall. If you are interested in learning more about applying for funding under these programs, visit www.iafbc.ca/BMPs.
Funding for the Beneficial Management Practices Program has been provided by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund is funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the On-Farm Climate Action Fund. Both programs are delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.
