Closed
Light Reflecting Materials Program
Last Update: March 4, 2026
British Columbia, Canada
Money for tree fruit producers in British Columbia
Grant and Funding
Overview
Apply for 50% cost-shared funding up to a maximum of $30,000 to purchase light reflective materials for the 2023 growing season.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Optimize production processes
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 30,000 $
- Minimum amount : 500 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : October 25, 2022
- Closing date : March 15, 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
- Rural or Northern Residents
Activities funded
The Light Reflecting Materials Program enables producers to install and utilize light reflecting materials to enhance apple quality during the 2023 growing season. Producers can leverage funding support for purchasing approved materials and necessary equipment for installation.
- Purchase of light reflecting materials from approved sellers such as Extenday, Farmsolutions.net, and Bright White Reflective Fabric (Sulzer) – Growers Supply.
- Installation of new and approved materials including Extenday, ReflectaKnit, and Bright White Reflective Fabric.
- Procurement of hardware necessary for installation, like rubber cords or wire claws, and installation equipment, with costs eligible for 50% cost-sharing.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 6,000
Purchase Bright White Reflective Fabric and install in community garden
$ 5,500
Enhance rooftop garden yield with Bright White Reflective Fabric
$ 5,000
Improve strawberry field productivity with ReflectaKnit material
$ 10,500
Upgrade greenhouse with ReflectaKnit and installation hardware
$ 4,500
Shading apple orchard with Extenday light reflecting material
$ 7,500
Install Extenday fabric to boost grape production in vineyard
Eligibility
To be eligible for this grant, applicants must meet specific criteria related to their operations and activities.
- The applicant must be primarily an apple grower or other tree fruit crop producer, which includes grapes.
- The applicant must be located in British Columbia.
- The applicant must be the operator of the farmed property where the light reflecting materials will primarily be used.
- The applicant must commit to using best efforts and following good horticultural practices to deploy the materials on their crops.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible to apply for the Light Reflecting Materials Program, applicants must be primarily apple growers or producers of other tree fruit crops (including grapes) located in British Columbia. They must also be the operators of the farmed property where the light reflecting materials will primarily be used.Who is not eligible
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant:
- Companies not primarily engaged in apple or tree fruit crop production.
- Companies located outside of British Columbia.
Eligible expenses
This grant supports producers in purchasing light reflective materials (LRMs) to enhance the quality of apples and other tree fruits by improving color and ensuring optimal ripeness. Eligible activities involve acquiring necessary materials and equipment to facilitate the installation and effective utilization of LRMs during the growing season.
- Purchase of approved light reflecting materials such as Extenday, ReflectaKnit, and Bright White Reflective Fabric.
- Procurement of hardware and installation equipment necessary for LRM installation, including rubber cords, wire claws, corner ties, tree ropes, and PVC pipe for storage, up to a specified maximum cost.
- Detailed planning and documentation of light reflecting material deployment on specific crop blocks.
- Conducting on-site inspections to verify installation and use of light reflecting materials.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to companies located in specific geographical areas within British Columbia. Eligibility is confined to producers operating in this region to align with regional agricultural support initiatives.
- Companies must be located in British Columbia.
Selection criteria
The Light Reflecting Materials Program has evaluation and selection criteria for applicants to meet:
- Applicants must be primarily apple growers or tree fruit crop producers in BC.
- Applicants must be operators of the farmed property where the materials will be used.
- Applicants must make efforts to follow good horticultural practices.
How to apply
1
Register on IAF Portal
- Visit IAF's Client Portal online.
- Create an account if you do not have one.
- Register your organization (i.e., farm) on the portal.
- Wait for IAF Team to validate your organization's details (may take up to two business days).
2
Prepare Application
- Complete the Light Reflecting Material Program Application form available on IAF's portal.
- Prepare a detailed plot plan indicating variety planted and deployment date of materials by block.
- Collect paid receipts or invoices for each expense intended for cost-sharing reimbursement.
- If receipts or invoices are unavailable, prepare order confirmation documentation, including order number.
3
Submit Application
- Log into your validated account on the IAF Client Portal.
- Upload all supporting documents including the plot plan and proof of purchase documents.
- Complete any required questions about your operation and material expenses.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline.
4
Confirmation of Submission
- Await notification from IAF regarding the decision on your application.
- If approved, receive an approval letter outlining terms and conditions via email.
- If not approved, receive notification of the decision via email.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Applications will be reviewed and approved on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is fully allocated.
- A minimum funding reimbursement of $500 to a maximum of $30,000 is available to be paid for eligible materials.
- On-site material inspections are required, with at least one week lead time provided for visits.
- Final payment (25% of approved funds) will be released following physical inspections of installed materials.
- Applicants using order confirmations for application must submit paid receipts or invoices for reimbursement once payment information is available.
- Funding decisions will be communicated no later than one month following the application close date.
- Communications regarding project funding must be pre-approved by the IAF Communications Team.
- Materials must be delivered in the Program Year (October 25, 2022, to December 31, 2023).
