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BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program - British Columbia - Canada
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BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program

Cost-shared funding for B.C. farmers adopting new technologies
Innovate BC
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 300 - $ 150,000
Timeline
  • Open Date : November 27, 2023
  • Closing date : December 22, 2023
Location
British Columbia, Canada

Overview

The BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program provides cost-shared funding to help B.C. farmers adopt new technologies that enhance profitability, productivity, and efficiency, with maximum funding amounts of up to $150,000 for automation and innovative on-farm technologies and up to $5,000 for farm business management tools. Eligible activities include the integration of new-to-applicant technologies, such as robotics, automation equipment, and farm management software.

/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Optimize production processes
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 150,000 $
  • Minimum amount : 300 $
  • Up to 65% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open Date : November 27, 2023
  • Closing date : December 22, 2023

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
  • British Columbia
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
  • Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Canadians

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

This program aims to enhance on-farm profitability, productivity, and efficiency by supporting the adoption of new, commercialized technologies in British Columbia. Eligible projects fall into two main categories, either focusing on automation and innovative on-farm technologies or on business management tools to improve operational efficiency.

  • Automation, Robotics, and Innovative On-Farm Growing, Packing or Storage Technologies, supported at up to 65% government funding.
  • Farm Business Management Tools, supported at up to 75% government funding.
  • Robotic equipment such as harvesters and barn cleaning robots.
  • Automated equipment like feeders and animal health monitoring systems.
  • Digital sensors or smart camera systems for environmental monitoring.
  • Technologies for improving post-harvest packing and storage, like automated sorters.
  • Farm business or financial management software to enhance operational efficiency.
  • High-precision GPS and internet boosters for improved management and connectivity.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

The BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program is aimed at B.C.-based agriculture producers, including farmers and ranchers, and Indigenous businesses or communities engaged in traditional food production practices. Applicants must have at least two years in operation and generate a minimum of $30,000 in annual revenue from primary B.C. agriculture commodities, although this minimum revenue requirement may be waived for underrepresented groups.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions target activities outside the core agricultural sectors intended for support by this program.

  • Operations that grow, process or handle health or nutrition supplements.
  • Operations that grow, process or handle cannabis.
  • Operations producing or processing pet food or food not intended for human consumption.
  • Food processors, wholesalers, distributors, farm input suppliers, restaurants and other food service establishments.
  • Unlicensed, unregistered, or uninspected facilities.
  • Food packing operations located off-farm.
  • Aquaculture and seafood production/processing businesses.
  • Any other business that does not fall within the scope of eligible applicants in this Program Guide.

Eligible expenses

This program provides funding to support the adoption of advanced technologies on farms to enhance efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Eligible projects are divided into two categories, focusing on the implementation of new technologies related to farm automation and management.

  • Automation, Robotics, and Innovative On-Farm Technologies: Adoption of robotic equipment, automated tools, smart sensors, and technologies that improve post-harvest packing and storage.
  • Farm Business Management Tools: Use of farm management software, GPS systems, and internet enhancements to improve business operations.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specifically available to applicants operating within British Columbia. The eligible location ensures that the funds are directed towards strengthening B.C.’s agriculture sector.

  • Businesses and organizations based in British Columbia, Canada.

Additional information

The grant focuses on enhancing profitability, productivity, and efficiency through the adoption of new on-farm technologies by providing cost-shared funding. It aims to strengthen B.C.'s agriculture sector and supports farmers in incorporating new technologies.

  • Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis after submission of invoices, proof of payment, and photographic confirmation of technology delivery.
  • The maximum total funding awarded to any one organization is $150,000.
  • Category A projects are funded up to 65% by the government, while Category B projects are funded up to 75% by the government.
  • Applicants must not use other government funding sources to cover their contribution amount.
  • Applications for Category A will be reviewed post intake closure, and Category B applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contacts

integratedmarkets@innovatebc.ca
604.335.2495

Frequently Asked Questions about the BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program?

The BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program provides cost-shared funding to help B.C. farmers adopt new technologies that enhance profitability, productivity, and efficiency, with maximum funding amounts of up to $150,000 for automation and innovative on-farm technologies and up to $5,000 for farm business management tools. Eligible activities include the integration of new-to-applicant technologies, such as robotics, automation equipment, and farm management software.

How much funding can be received?

BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program Funds up to 65% of admissible expenses, capped at $150,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program was December 22, 2023.

Who is eligible for the BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program program?

To be eligible for the BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program program, you must: Applicants must be based in B.C. and appropriately registered, licensed, or certified to conduct business in the province. Applicants must have a minimum of two years in operation and make no less than $30,000 in annual revenue from the production of primary B.C. agriculture commodities in the previous two years. Agriculture producers and Indigenous businesses majority-owned by Indigenous individuals or communities are eligible.

What expenses are eligible under BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program?

This program aims to enhance on-farm profitability, productivity, and efficiency by supporting the adoption of new, commercialized technologies in British Columbia. Eligible projects fall into two main categories, either focusing on automation and innovative on-farm technologies or on business management tools to improve operational efficiency. Automation, Robotics, and Innovative On-Farm Growing, Packing or Storage Technologies, supported at up to 65% government funding. Farm Business Management Tools, supported at up to 75% government funding. Robotic equipment such as harvesters and barn cleaning robots. Automated equipment like feeders and animal health monitoring systems. Digital sensors or smart camera systems for environmental monitoring. Technologies for improving post-harvest packing and storage, like automated sorters. Farm business or financial management software to enhance operational efficiency. High-precision GPS and internet boosters for improved management and connectivity.

Who can I contact for more information about the BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program?

You can contact Innovate BC by email at integratedmarkets@innovatebc.ca or by phone at 604.335.2495.

Where is the BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program available?

The BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program program is available the province of British Columbia.

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