Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program – Stream 1
BC, Canada
Funding for producers to improve and expand water storage and irrigation infrastructure aimed at enhancing agricultural water supply, efficiency, and sustainability.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) aims to enhance irrigation efficiency and ensure sustainable agricultural water management in British Columbia. Eligible activities under Stream 1 include rehabilitating agricultural dams, constructing new water storage infrastructure, and converting conveyance ditches to pipelines. The program offers cost-shared funding between $200,000 and $1,000,000 to support these projects, with a 50% contribution from the applicant and 50% from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are eligible projects and activities for this grant, aimed at improving agricultural water infrastructure in British Columbia.
- Rehabilitation and upgrades of agricultural dams and reservoirs
- Improvement, expansion or new construction of dugouts and related storage infrastructure
- New construction of other water storage infrastructure
- Improvement, expansion or new construction of off-farm conversion of conveyance ditches to pipelines
- Improvement, expansion or new construction of water delivery systems to the farm gate from off-farm storage infrastructure and licensed intakes on streams
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$250,000
Vancouver
Rehabilitation of a dam in Vancouver to improve water storage capacity for agricultural use.
$400,000
Surrey
Construction of new water storage infrastructure in Surrey to support local farms.
$300,000
Kelowna
Upgrading irrigation ditches to pipelines on farms near Kelowna to reduce water losses.
$450,000
Burnaby
Expansion of water storage reservoirs in Burnaby to ensure sufficient supply for agriculture.
$350,000
Richmond
New dugout construction in Richmond to enhance water storage for local farms.
$375,000
North Vancouver
Development of water delivery systems in North Vancouver for improved farm irrigation.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program – Stream 1, applicants must be BC-based individual producers utilizing water for agricultural purposes. Ineligible participants include non-agricultural entities, government bodies, and certain organizations.
- Producer – Cooperative
- Producer – Corporation
- Producer – Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Producer – Partnership
- Producer – Sole proprietorship
- Indigenous Producer – Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Indigenous Producer – Partnership
- Indigenous Producer – Sole Proprietorship
- Indigenous Cooperative
- Indigenous Corporation
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. To be considered eligible, applicants must be BC-based and fall into specific categories.
- Producer – Cooperative
- Producer – Corporation
- Producer – Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Producer – Partnership
- Producer – Sole proprietorship
- Indigenous Producer – Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Indigenous Producer – Partnership
- Indigenous Producer – Sole Proprietorship
- Indigenous Cooperative
- Indigenous Corporation
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The following types of companies are not eligible for the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) Stream 1 grant:
- Non-agricultural individuals or groups (including Seafood/Aquaculture)
- Provincial and federal governments
- Crown Corporations
- Local Government or Regional District
- Irrigation District or Improvement District
- Diking District
- Non-Profit Organization – Agriculture
- Non-Profit Organization – Conservation
- Water Users’ Community
- Indigenous Community
- Indigenous Governing Body
- Indigenous Organization – For-Profit
- Indigenous Organization – Non-Profit
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. These include costs related to construction, materials, and equipment for various agricultural water storage and delivery infrastructure projects.
- Construction, materials, machinery/equipment (e.g., gates, valves)
- Pumping systems and watering troughs
- Professional services associated with project supervision
- Power supply to farm property line
- Solar or wind power supply for remote livestock watering systems
- Dugout aeration systems
- Planting of trees and snow fencing
- Mainline distribution system including materials and construction costs
- Electric power line extension
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible applicants for this grant must be based in British Columbia, Canada.
- Producer – Cooperative
- Producer – Corporation
- Producer – Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Producer – Partnership
- Producer – Sole proprietorship
- Indigenous Producer – Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Indigenous Producer – Partnership
- Indigenous Producer – Sole Proprietorship
- Indigenous Cooperative
- Indigenous Corporation
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) – Stream 1 include various factors to assess the feasibility, impact, and technical aspects of the proposed projects. These criteria help determine the project's potential to address water issues, improve agricultural production, and meet professional standards.
- Water Issues & Water Supply Source (30%)
- Awareness of regulatory requirements beyond water permits or dam safety authorizations.
- Severity of water constraint or risk for the watershed serving as the main supply source.
- Possibility of developing additional or alternate water supply sources in the region or watershed.
- Project Benefits (40%)
- Significance of improving water use efficiency and storage.
- Extent of benefits to agricultural production in the area.
- Promotion of sustainable water supply development with long, medium, or short-term solutions.
- Technical Review (30%)
- Approach addresses water issues based on professional standards.
- Comprehensive project plan with scientific rationale, merits, impacts, and mitigation measures.
- Reasonable and logical conclusions and outcomes based on the project approach.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Create an Account and Organization Registration
- Create a personal profile (name and email).
- Provide organization information: name, contact details, type of organization, BC ID or CRA numbers, primary contact, etc.
- Ensure your contact details and organization information are up to date.
- Step 2: Draft Your Application (starting June 27, 2024)
- Select Agriculture Water Infrastructure | Stream 1 from the Funding Opportunities section.
- Provide details such as applicant type, project name, project summary, proposed start and end dates, and more.
- Upload relevant documents (quotes, permits, licenses, assessments, etc.) through the IAF Client Portal.
- Step 3: Submit Your Application (starting July 25, 2024, at 9AM)
- Ensure the application is complete, including all required documentation.
- Submit your application through the IAF Client Portal.
- Step 4: Awaiting Review and Adjudication
- IAF Team will check organization/applicant eligibility and application completeness.
- Projects meeting criteria will be sent to a Technical Review Committee.
- Additional technical review may be required by specialists, if needed.
- Receive funding decisions within 10-12 weeks of submission.
- Step 5: Notification of Funding Decisions
- If approved, enter into an agreement with IAF outlining the obligations of each party.
- Funding is specific to the approved project and related expenses, and is non-transferable.
- Begin project activities as of approval and complete within three years.
- Step 6: Reporting Requirements
- Complete interim and final reports to receive interim and final payments.
- Submit reports via the IAF Client Portal.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) aims to support BC-based agricultural producers in increasing water availability for agriculture through cost-shared funding for various water infrastructure projects. Eligible activities include rehabilitation and upgrades of dams, improvement or construction of dugouts and related infrastructure, and conversion of conveyance ditches to pipelines.
- The program does not support retroactive costs, and all projects must be approved before any activities or expenses are incurred.
- Projects should be completed within three years of the start date, with all projects needing to be finished by January 15, 2032.
- Eligible activities include construction, materials, machinery/equipment, professional services, and more, but items such as used materials, water distribution systems, and regular maintenance activities are ineligible.
- All necessary permits and regulatory approvals must be secured before the commencement of the project.
- Applications will be reviewed based on criteria such as water issues, project benefits, and technical review, with prioritization given to projects in certain watersheds.
- Applicants can apply through the IAF Client Portal, with application drafts opening on June 27, 2024, and submissions accepted from July 25, 2024, to August 8, 2024.
- Funding notifications and contracts will be managed through the IAF Client Portal, and an initial payment of up to 50% may be made upon signing the agreement.
- Applicants may book a 10-minute appointment with an IAF staff member for support during the application period.
- Funding decisions aim to be provided within 10-12 weeks of application completion.
grant_single_labels|contact
awp@iafbc.ca
1-877-855-3222
Apply to this program
Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) – Stream 1
The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) – Stream 1 aims to improve agricultural water supply and management in British Columbia by funding projects for water storage systems and efficient irrigation infrastructure. This grant supports individual producers and Indigenous producers in constructing or upgrading water storage infrastructure to enhance food production and ecosystem sustainability.
Understanding the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) – Stream 1
The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) – Stream 1, funded by the Government of British Columbia, is designed to support the construction and enhancement of water storage systems, which are critical for managing water supply in agricultural operations. The main objectives of the program include mitigating spring flooding, alleviating summer droughts, improving stream flows, enhancing fish populations, and fostering sustainable food production in British Columbia.
Program Structure and Funding
AWP – Stream 1 offers cost-shared funding to individual producers and Indigenous producers based in British Columbia. The program covers a wide array of activities related to water storage infrastructure, with a focus on ensuring that the water supply can meet current and future agricultural demands under changing climate conditions. Grants provided under this program range from a minimum of $200,000 to a maximum of $1,000,000, with a cost-shared ratio of 50%. This means that for every dollar spent on eligible project costs, the program will cover 50%, while the applicant covers the remaining 50%.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Applicants
To qualify for AWP – Stream 1 funding, applicants must be based in British Columbia and categorized as one of the following:
- Individual Producer (e.g., Cooperative, Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Partnership, Sole Proprietorship)
- Indigenous Producer (e.g., Limited Liability Company, Partnership, Sole Proprietorship, Cooperative, Corporation)
Applicants who use water for both agricultural and non-agricultural purposes are eligible, provided they primarily serve agricultural operations.
Ineligible Applicants
The following entities are not eligible for AWP – Stream 1 funding:
- Non-agricultural individuals or groups (including Seafood/Aquaculture)
- Provincial and federal governments
- Crown Corporations
- Local Government or Regional District
- Irrigation Districts or Improvement Districts
- Diking Districts
- Non-Profit Organizations (Agriculture or Conservation)
- Water Users' Communities
- Indigenous Communities and Governing Bodies
- For-Profit and Non-Profit Indigenous Organizations
Eligible Activities and Associated Costs
Within Stream 1, five main categories of activities and related expenditures are eligible for funding:
1. Rehabilitation and Upgrades of Agricultural Dams and Reservoirs:
- Construction, materials, machinery/equipment (e.g., gates, valves)
- Pumping systems and watering troughs to keep livestock out of reservoirs, with fencing if necessary
- Professional services associated with project supervision
Note: Water licences, engineering assessments, and authorizations from regulatory bodies are required before beginning construction.
2. Improvement, Expansion, or New Construction of Dugouts and Related Storage Infrastructure:
- Construction, materials, liner, pump, intake, machinery/equipment (e.g., gates, valves)
- Power supply and renewable energy systems for remote livestock watering
- Pumping systems and watering troughs to keep livestock out of dugouts, with fencing if necessary
- Professional services associated with project supervision
Note: Assessments from qualified professionals and relevant permits are required for construction.
3. New Construction of Other Water Storage Infrastructure:
- Construction, materials, machinery/equipment (e.g., gates, valves)
- Pumping systems and watering troughs for secure water sources during droughts
- Professional services associated with project supervision
Note: Engineering plans and regulatory approvals are necessary before starting construction.
4. Improvement, Expansion, or New Construction of Off-Farm Conversion of Conveyance Ditches to Pipelines:
- Materials and construction costs for source development (e.g., surface storage and intake)
- Mainline distribution system including trenching and augering
- Electric power line extension for pump installations/upgrades
- Professional services associated with project supervision
Note: Engineering studies/design plans and pertinent permits are requisite before undertaking these projects.
5. Improvement, Expansion, or New Construction of Water Delivery Systems to the Farm Gate:
- Materials and construction costs for source development (e.g., surface storage and intake)
- Mainline distribution system including trenching and augering
- Electric power line extension for pump installations/upgrades
- Professional services associated with project supervision
Note: Necessary permits and engineering plans must be in place prior to commencing these activities.
Application Process
The application process for AWP – Stream 1 opens on June 27, 2024. Submissions begin on July 25, 2024, at 9:00 AM and close on August 8, 2024, at 4:00 PM. Applicants must submit their applications through the IAF Client Portal, providing detailed project information, including:
- Applicant type
- Project name and summary
- Proposed start and end dates
- Selected activities and their relevance to agricultural water issues
- Project location (latitude and longitude)
- Total project cost and budget details
Applicants are also required to upload supporting documents, such as quotes, permits, engineering assessments, and regulatory approvals, through the IAF Client Portal.
Review and Adjudication
Upon submission, applications undergo an initial review by the IAF Team to check eligibility and completeness. Subsequently, a Technical Review Committee conducts a detailed assessment to ensure compliance with technical, environmental, and regulatory standards. Projects that meet all requirements are prioritized based on criteria set by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, including the severity of water constraints, potential project benefits, and technical feasibility.
Funding Notifications and Obligations
Successful applicants are notified via the IAF Client Portal and enter into an agreement with IAF outlining the terms and conditions of the funding. Projects may commence upon approval and must be completed within three years or by January 15, 2032, whichever is earlier. Funding is project-specific and non-transferable.
Payment and Reporting
An initial payment of up to 50% of the approved funding may be provided upon signing the contribution agreement. Interim and final payments are contingent upon satisfactory progress and final reports. All reporting, including financial audits if applicable, must be submitted through the IAF Client Portal. A minimum of 20% of the approved funding will be retained until the final report is reviewed and approved.
Key Considerations for Applicants
- Ensure all permits and regulatory requirements are identified and obtained before starting the project.
- Only include activities that can be completed on time and within budget.
- Maintain clear and accurate records of all project expenses and activities for reporting purposes.
- Engage with qualified professionals to ensure compliance with technical standards.
By carefully preparing and submitting a comprehensive application, applicants can maximize their chances of securing funding from the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) – Stream 1, paving the way for improved agricultural water management in British Columbia.
