How much funding can be received?

The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) – Stream 2 focuses on community projects aimed at enhancing agricultural water supply and management in British Columbia. Eligible activities include rehabilitation and upgrades of agricultural dams, construction of dugouts and other water storage infrastructure, and the extension of water delivery systems to additional agricultural lands. The program provides cost-shared funding to improve water use efficiency, availability, and drainage conditions for agricultural communities.

grant_single_labels|projects

There are several eligible projects and activities for the grant.

Rehabilitation and upgrades of agricultural dams and reservoirs to meet regulatory requirements.
Improvement, expansion, or new construction of dugouts and related storage infrastructure for irrigation water and livestock watering.
Construction of other new water storage infrastructure.
Conversion of conveyance ditches to pipelines off-farm where savings of 30 to 50% can be achieved.
Improvement, expansion or new construction of water delivery systems to the farm gate from off-farm infrastructure and licensed intakes on streams.
Extension of an existing water purveyor network to expand water supply to additional agricultural lands.
Development of new water purveyed systems to agricultural land.
Installation of meters by a water purveyor for agricultural users.
Improvement or expansion of diking and drainage systems.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$200,000

Vancouver

Construction of new water storage infrastructure for Sunrise Organic Farm

$300,000

Kamloops

Conversion of open ditches to pipelines at Morning Star Farms for water efficiency

$600,000

Victoria

New water delivery system installation for Evergreen Orchards

$350,000

Kelowna

Upgrade the Dam at Green Meadows Farm to meet regulatory requirements

$500,000

Penticton

Extension of water purveyor network to expand water supply to Maple Valley Vineyards

$400,000

Abbotsford

Improving and expanding the diking system at Willow Creek Farm Co-operative

grant_single_labels|admissibility

To be considered eligible for Stream 2, applicants must be BC-based and fall under specified categories, while certain participants and projects are deemed ineligible.

Irrigation District or Improvement District
Local Government or Regional 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
Community water supply groups, including Indigenous groups, that provide a mix of agricultural and non-agricultural services, unless specified as ineligible.
Public corporate bodies incorporated under provincial legislations allowing them to legally acquire/control property and licences and conduct works.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

To be considered eligible for Stream 2 of the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program, applicants must be BC-based and must belong to one of the following organization types:

Irrigation District or Improvement District
Local Government or Regional 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|who_cannot_apply

The following types of companies are not eligible to participate in Stream 2 of the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program:

Diking District
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
Non-agricultural individuals or groups (including Seafood/Aquaculture)
Provincial and federal governments
Crown Corporations

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The eligible expenses for this grant are:

Construction, materials, machinery/equipment (gates, valves, etc.)
Pumping systems and watering troughs
Professional services associated with project supervision
Power supply enhancements (including solar or wind power for remote systems)
Planting of trees and snow fencing to aid in water collection

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographic zones for this grant are exclusively within British Columbia, Canada.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) Stream 2 criteria assess the severity of water issues, the benefits to agricultural production, and the level of project support or endorsement.

Severity of water constraint or risk for the watershed serving as the main supply source for the project.
Significance of the project benefits to agricultural production in the project area.
Promotion of the development or use of a sustainable water supply or water management systems with long, medium, or short-term solutions.
Level of support or endorsement (financial or otherwise) from others for the project.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Create an Account and Organization Registration
Create a personal profile (name and email).
Provide organization information, including: Name, Contact details, Type of organization, BC ID / CRA numbers, Primary contact, etc.
Step 2: Complete an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Select Agriculture Water Infrastructure | Stream 2 from the Funding Opportunities section of the IAF Client Portal.
Provide information such as Applicant Type, Project Name, Project Summary, Selected activities, Proposed Start and End Dates, Demonstration of compliance with standards/requirements, Water problems/issues to be solved, Project location (latitude and longitude), Performance measurement information, Total Project Cost (budget), etc.
Step 3: Wait for EOI Review and Invitation to Apply
EOI submissions are reviewed by the IAF Team and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food staff.
Successful EOIs will receive an invitation to apply, usually within a specific timeline (by September 2024).
Step 4: Complete the Application
Upon invitation, complete the application within 30 days.
Provide all necessary details and documentation, including permits, if applicable.
Step 5: Application Review
IAF will conduct an initial review and a secondary review by a Technical Review Committee.
If further technical review is required, it will be conducted by experts/specialists.
Step 6: Funding Decision
IAF will notify applicants by email of the funding decision within 10-12 weeks of application submission.
Unsuccessful applications will receive feedback and must re-apply for future intakes if needed.
Step 7: Contract and Project Commencement
If approved, applicants enter into a funding agreement with IAF detailing terms and conditions.
Projects can begin upon approval and must be completed within five years or by January 15, 2032, whichever is first.
Step 8: Reporting and Funding Reimbursement
Submission of progress reports and final reports via the IAF Client Portal.
Funding will be reimbursed based on actual expenses reported and an audit (if applicable).
Step 9: Funding Acknowledgement
Acknowledge funding in all public communications, pre-approved by the IAF Communications Team.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) includes specific requirements and considerations for the application process and project implementation.

Expression of Interest (EOI) opened on July 3, 2024, and closes on July 24, 2024, at 4 PM.
Invitations to apply will be sent out in September 2024.
Projects can begin upon approval and must be completed by January 15, 2032.
Applications should include all required permits and technical requirements before submission.
Initial payment may be up to 50%, with interim and final payments based on actual expenses and reporting.
Funding acknowledgment is required when publicly communicating about a project.
Registration through the IAF Client Portal is required for application submission.
Eligible costs include materials, construction, and professional services, while used materials and non-agricultural activities are ineligible.

grant_single_labels|contact

awp@iafbc.ca

Apply to this program

Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program - Stream 2: Community Projects

The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) Stream 2 targets community-based projects in British Columbia committed to enhancing agricultural water supply and management through cost-shared funding for efficient irrigation infrastructure expansions. Eligible activities include the rehabilitation, improvement, and new construction of water systems to ensure sustainable agricultural water use and increased food production.

Eligibility and Activities for the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program - Stream 2

The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) Stream 2 is designed to support community projects that aim to improve the efficiency of agricultural water use and management in British Columbia (BC). The program is a strategic endeavor to enhance water supply systems, directly benefiting agricultural communities by ensuring sustainable food production while conserving water resources.

Eligible Applicants

To qualify for Stream 2, applicants must be based in British Columbia and fall into one of the following categories:

Irrigation District or Improvement District
Local Government or Regional 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

Community water supply groups, including Indigenous groups providing irrigation, drainage, or diking services to agricultural and non-agricultural users, are also eligible unless specifically deemed ineligible regarding the activity description.

Ineligible Participants

The following are not eligible for Stream 2:

Diking Districts
Producers (Cooperative, Corporation, LLC, Partnership, Sole proprietorship)
Indigenous Producers (LLC, Partnership, Sole Proprietorship, Corporation, Cooperative)
Non-agricultural individuals or groups
Provincial and federal governments
Crown Corporations

Eligible Activities

There are nine main activities eligible for funding under Stream 2:

Rehabilitation and Upgrades of Agricultural Dams and Reservoirs: Enhancing water storage systems to meet regulatory requirements thereby securing water supply during high-demand periods such as summer.
Improvement, Expansion, or New Construction of Dugouts: Creating or enhancing dugouts for irrigation and livestock watering, including the installation of liners, pumping systems, and other infrastructure to improve water holding capacity and functionality.
New Construction of Other Water Storage Infrastructure: Developing new water storage systems, complete with necessary engineering plans and authorizations from relevant authorities.
Off-Farm Conversion of Conveyance Ditches to Pipelines: Upgrading water conveyance systems to pipelines to achieve significant water savings and improve delivery efficiency.
Improvement, Expansion, or New Construction of Water Delivery Systems: Developing and enhancing water delivery infrastructure from off-farm storage to the farm gate.
Extension of Existing Water Purveyor Networks: Expanding purveyor networks to ensure additional agricultural lands receive adequate water supply.
Development of New Water Purveyed Systems: Establishing new purveyed water systems dedicated to serving agricultural lands.
Installation of Meters: Implementing universal agricultural water metering programs to monitor and manage water usage effectively.
Expansion of Diking and Drainage Systems: Enhancing infrastructure to protect agricultural land from flooding and improve drainage conditions, even considering future climate change impacts.

Eligible Expenditures

The program provides funding for construction, materials, machinery, and professional services directly associated with eligible activities. Specific costs covered include but are not limited to:

Construction materials and labor for water storage systems
Pumping systems and watering troughs
Fencing to keep livestock out of water systems
Professional fees for project supervision

Ineligible Activities and Costs

Certain projects and expenses are not covered under Stream 2, including:

Activities or costs incurred prior to project approval
In-kind activities
Non-agricultural water uses
Purchase of farm equipment
Land purchase or easement
Regular or ongoing maintenance activities
Activities currently funded by other sources
Tax payments

Pre-Construction Requirements

Applicants must have completed any necessary assessments or plans prior to applying for funding. All projects must meet technical, environmental, and regulatory standards. This includes obtaining relevant permits and licenses, demonstrating compliance with federal, provincial, and local regulations, and securing water licenses for proposed uses and storage volumes.

Application Process

The application process consists of multiple stages, beginning with an Expression of Interest (EOI) and followed by a detailed application for those invited to proceed. Here are the steps in detail:

Expression of Interest

Interested applicants must first submit an EOI through the IAF Client Portal between July 3, 2024, and July 24, 2024. The EOI should include:

Applicant type and project name
Project summary and selected activities
Proposed start and end dates
Technical, environmental, and regulatory compliance details
Project location (latitude and longitude)
Performance metrics
Total project cost and budget breakdown

IAF staff will review EOIs for completeness and eligibility, and successful applicants will be invited to submit a full application in September 2024.

Full Application

Applicants invited to proceed must submit a detailed application within 30 days of receiving the invitation. The application will undergo a thorough review, including:

Eligibility and completeness check
Detailed project and budget review
Technical review by the Technical Review Committee
Possible additional review by technical experts if necessary

Funding decisions will be communicated within 10-12 weeks of receiving the completed application.

Project Duration and Reporting

Projects can begin as soon as approval is granted and must be completed within five years or by January 15, 2032, whichever comes first. Interim and final reports are required to track progress and ensure compliance with funding conditions. A final audit may also be required before the release of the final payment.

Funding Details

Funding is cost-shared at a 50% ratio, with the minimum funding amount set at $1,000,000 and a maximum to be confirmed after the EOI stage. The program allows for stacking of funds from other government programs up to 100% of project costs, provided these programs are not delivered by IAF. Initial payments up to 50% of the approved funding may be made upon project approval, with final payments made based on actual expenses reported.

Funding Acknowledgment

Successful applicants must acknowledge the funding provided by the Government of BC in all public communications about the project. All communications and marketing materials must be pre-approved by the IAF Communications Team.

Prioritization Criteria

Projects will be prioritized based on:

Water Issues: The severity of water constraints or risks in the watershed serving as the main water supply source for the project.
Benefits: The significant benefits of the project to agricultural production and the promotion of sustainable water supply or management systems.
Project Support: The level of support or endorsement (financial or otherwise) from other entities.

By addressing these criteria, the program aims to ensure that funding is allocated to the most impactful projects that contribute to long-term water security and sustainable agricultural practices in British Columbia. Applicants are encouraged to leverage this opportunity to make meaningful improvements to their community's water infrastructure, ultimately benefiting both the agricultural sector and the environment.