B.C. extends deadline for farmers to apply for flood assistance support

The provincial government moved the deadline to Aug. 31

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

British Columbia farmers affected by the floods in November 2021 have more time to apply for financial support from the provincial government.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food announced on May 25 it’s extending the application deadline for the Canada-BC Flood Recovery for Food Security Program from June 1 to Aug. 31.

“Processing of claims will continue after the deadline and farmers can continue submitting documents outlining their expenses after that date,” the ministry’s update says.

B.C. Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister Lana Popham and federal minister of agriculture Marie-Claude Bibeau announced the $228 million program in February.

At the time, total agriculture and related damage was estimated at about $285 million.

Producers can access funding to help offset recovery costs including:

• Returning flood-affected land and buildings to a safe state for ag production,
• Installing drainage ditches and land-stabilization materials,
• Renting temporary production facilities, and
• Repairing uninsurable essential farm infrastructure.