Light Reflecting Materials Program
BC, Canada
Money for tree fruit producers in British Columbia
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 15, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Government of British Columbia
- Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Apply for 50% cost-shared funding up to a maximum of $30,000 to purchase light reflective materials for the 2023 growing season.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically available to primary apple or tree fruit crop producers operating within a defined region. Companies must be located in a certain area to qualify for funding.
- Companies located in British Columbia, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$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
$6,000
Purchase Bright White Reflective Fabric and install in community garden
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The program provides cost-sharing for eligible expenses related to the purchase and installation of light reflecting materials.
- Purchase of new and approved light reflecting materials: Extenday, ReflectaKnit, and Bright White reflective Fabric.
- Hardware necessary for installation, such as rubber cords, wire claws, corner ties, tree ropes, PVC pipe for storage, and installation equipment, up to a maximum cost of $3,500.
grant_single_labels|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.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for this grant:
- Step 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).
- Step 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.
- Step 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.
- Step 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.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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).
Apply to this program
Cost-Sharing Opportunity for Apple and Tree Fruit Growers
The Light Reflecting Material Program offers cost-shared funding to apple and tree fruit producers in British Columbia to purchase light reflective materials for the 2023 growing season. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of fruit by promoting better coloring and reducing the risk of overripeness due to delayed harvest.
Understanding the Light Reflecting Material Program and Its Benefits
The Light Reflecting Material (LRM) Program is a funding opportunity designed to aid apple and tree fruit growers in BC by covering 50% of eligible expenses related to the purchase and installation of specific light reflective materials. These materials are pivotal in enhancing the aesthetic and market quality of apples by ensuring optimal color development at harvest time, without the risk of over ripening. Selected participants can receive funding ranging from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $30,000. The program accepts applications on a first-come, first-serve basis during the specified period, ensuring that early applicants have a higher chance of receiving funds before the allocation is fully committed.
Eligible applicants must be primarily apple or other tree fruit crop producers (such as grape growers) operating within British Columbia. They must actively manage the farming property where the materials will be implemented and adhere to best horticultural practices. The eligible activities mainly involve purchasing approved materials from a list of suppliers, which includes brands like Extenday, ReflectaKnit, and Bright White Reflective Fabric, along with necessary installation equipment like rubber cords and wire claws, with a cap of $3,500 for supporting hardware.
It's crucial that growers can provide invoices or order confirmations substantiating the purchase and payment for these materials. These documents support the reimbursement process, thereby ensuring transparency and proper allocation of funds. Furthermore, to verify the usage and proper deployment of funded materials, onsite inspections by BCMAF inspectors are mandatory. These inspections not only confirm that materials are appropriately utilized but also determine the release of the remaining 25% of funding.
Participating farms are encouraged to plan and execute all funded activities diligently, aligning them with the operational timelines and standards stipulated by the Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF). This proactive approach ensures compliance and maximizes the potential benefits from the program. The provision of cost-sharing lays an accessible pathway for growers to innovate their crop production techniques, ultimately enhancing fruit quality and boosting competitiveness in the market.
By maintaining a structured, transparent process, the Light Reflecting Material Program helps address specific agricultural challenges, fostering an environment conducive to high-quality production and better yield outcomes. Producers are advised to closely follow all provided instructions and requirements for funding, including communicating any intended public disclosures or social media announcements related to the receipt of funding to the IAF communications team, ensuring all such communications are pre-approved.
This initiative not only supports the immediate needs of fruit growers in enhancing their product's market readiness and consumer appeal but also contributes to sustainable agricultural practices that can have long-term positive effects. It reflects a strategic effort to bolster the agricultural sector in BC by aligning innovative farming solutions with financial support, facilitating a healthier, more competitive fruit production industry.
