Light Reflecting Materials Program

The Light Reflecting Materials Program offers a structured cost-sharing financing approach to assist producers in acquiring essential materials. This program provides both upfront and performance-based funding disbursements to support agricultural improvements.

• Co-financing of up to 50% of approved material costs, with reimbursement ranging from $500 to a maximum of $30,000.
• Initial payment of 75% of approved funding upon project approval and necessary documentation submission.
• Final payment of 25% of the approved funds is contingent on successful on-site material inspections.
• Proof of payment must include detailed documentation such as paid receipts or order confirmations prior to reimbursement.
• Funding disbursements are based on the submission of audited receipts for the cost-shared eligible expenses.

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?

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.

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.

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).