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|terms_and_conditions

This grant provides structured financial support through a cost-sharing arrangement designed to facilitate significant agricultural water infrastructure projects in British Columbia. Recipients benefit from financial arrangements that enhance water efficiency and availability.

Co-funding covers 50% of eligible project costs, with a maximum contribution of $2,000,000, although this cap may be refined post the Expression of Interest stage.
Initial payment of up to 50% may be released upon signing the contribution agreement or submission of the first progress report, but may be subjected to adjustment based on project or applicant risk assessment.
Subsequent payments are contingent upon the satisfactory submission of required progress reports, with final reimbursement based on actual expenses reported.
An obligatory final report is required, with a minimum of 20% of approved funding retained until all reporting obligations are fulfilled.
Stacking of funds is permitted up to the full project cost, provided they do not originate from other programs governed by the Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF).
Retroactive funding for expenses incurred prior to project approval is not allowed.
Funding acknowledgment in all public communications is mandatory, requiring pre-approval from the IAF Communications Team.
Funding decisions are expected within a 10-12 week timeframe post-application submission, contingent upon satisfactory completion of the review process.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports community projects in British Columbia focused on improving agricultural water management and infrastructure. The eligible activities aim to enhance water efficiency, security, and availability in agricultural communities.

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.
New construction of other water storage infrastructure.
Improvement, expansion, or new construction of off-farm conversion of conveyance ditches to pipelines, achieving 30 to 50% water savings.
Improvement, expansion, or new construction of water delivery systems to the farm gate.
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 where a universal agricultural water metering program is being implemented by a water purveyor.
Improvement or expansion of diking and drainage systems for flood control.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 200,000

Construction of new water storage infrastructure for Sunrise Organic Farm

$ 300,000

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

$ 600,000

New water delivery system installation for Evergreen Orchards

$ 350,000

Upgrade the Dam at Green Meadows Farm to meet regulatory requirements

$ 500,000

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

$ 400,000

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

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

The applicant must be BC-based.
The applicant must be one of the following: 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 a mix of irrigation/drainage/diking services to agricultural and non-agricultural water users are eligible unless specified as ineligible under the activity description.
Public corporate bodies incorporated or formed under specific provincial legislations, which allow them to legally acquire/hold/control property and licences and conduct works, are eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible applicants for the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) Stream 2 must be based in British Columbia and include:- Irrigation Districts or Improvement Districts- Local Governments or Regional Districts- Non-Profit Organizations focused on Agriculture- Non-Profit Organizations focused on Conservation- Water Users’ Communities- Indigenous Communities- Indigenous Governing Bodies- Indigenous Organizations (both For-Profit and Non-Profit)- Community water supply groups (including Indigenous groups) providing combined irrigation, drainage, and diking services to both agricultural and non-agricultural water users.- Public corporate bodies incorporated under specific provincial legislations that allow them to legally acquire, hold, control property and licenses and conduct works.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant specifically excludes certain entities and business structures, emphasizing the need for the applicant's main activities to align with agricultural community water supply improvements. The restrictions ensure that funds are channeled to the appropriate projects and applicants who are set to directly influence agricultural water use and management in BC.

Diking Districts.
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

This grant supports community projects aimed at enhancing water infrastructure for agricultural use in British Columbia. The eligible activities focus on improving water efficiency, security, and management systems to benefit agricultural communities.

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 and livestock watering.
New construction of other water storage infrastructure.
Improvement, expansion, or new construction of off-farm conversion of conveyance ditches to pipelines.
Improvement, expansion, or new construction of water delivery systems to the farm gate.
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 where a universal agricultural water metering program is being implemented.
Improvement or expansion of diking and drainage systems to protect agricultural land from flooding.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is tailored for entities operating within the province of British Columbia. Applicants must be based in British Columbia to be eligible for funding consideration.

All geographical areas within the province of British Columbia.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection criteria for the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program – Stream 2 projects are outlined to ensure alignment with the program's objectives.

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

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Initial Registration
- Create a personal profile and organization account on the IAF Client Portal.
- Ensure that your organization’s contact details and information are up to date if already registered.
Step 2: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Select Agriculture Water Infrastructure | Stream 2 from the Funding Opportunities section.
- Provide details including applicant type, project name, summary, activities, dates, location, and budget.
- Ensure all technical, environmental, and regulatory standards are described.
- Submit EOI by July 24, 2024, at 4PM.
Step 3: EOI Review and Invitation to Apply
- EOI reviewed for eligibility, completeness, and alignment with program criteria.
- Only successful EOIs will receive an invitation to submit a full application.
Step 4: Complete Full Application
- Upon invitation, complete the full application using the IAF Client Portal.
- Include all required permits, documentation, and detailed project plans.
- Adhere to any conditions set during EOI stage.
Step 5: Application Submission
- Submit your completed application through the IAF Client Portal within 30 days of invitation.
- Ensure the application is fully complete with no pending documents except where specifically allowed.
Step 6: Await Funding Decision
- IAF and the Technical Review Committee will review submissions.
- Notification of funding decisions will occur within 10-12 weeks after application submission.
Step 7: Confirmation and Contract Agreement
- If approved, sign the contribution agreement outlining project terms with IAF.
- Ensure no project activities start before signing the agreement.

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

Enhance Agricultural Water Management Efficiency with AWP Stream 2

The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP), Stream 2, is dedicated to promoting efficient irrigation and enhancing water management systems for agricultural communities in British Columbia. By utilizing this program, eligible applicants can receive cost-shared funding to support projects that improve water use efficiency and security in their communities.

Detailed Insights into AWP Stream 2 and Its Community-Oriented Impact

The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) under Stream 2 is meticulously crafted to aid agricultural communities in British Columbia by enhancing water infrastructure. This initiative underscores the province's commitment to bolstering sustainable food production and environmental stewardship through improved irrigation systems and water management techniques. AWP Stream 2 is particularly focused on supporting community-related projects that involve broad participation from various stakeholders including Indigenous communities, local and regional governments, non-profits dedicated to agriculture or conservation, and water user groups. This collaborative approach ensures that the funded projects have a lasting positive impact on both the agricultural output and ecological balance.

Eligible activities under this stream are diverse and aim to address key environmental and resource management challenges. These include rehabilitation and upgrades to agricultural dams and reservoirs, improvement and expansion of existing irrigation systems, and the development of new water storage infrastructure. By transitioning from traditional conveyance ditches to pipelines, the program seeks to achieve a water saving of 30% to 50%, which directly contributes to water conservation efforts amid the increasing pressures of climate change.

The cost-sharing mechanism within Stream 2 facilitates significant financial support, enabling eligible applicants to cover up to half of their project costs, ranging between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000. Such a structure incentivizes comprehensive planning and sustainable investment in water infrastructure projects that can serve multiple agricultural users in the community, thereby fostering a shared responsibility towards effective water management.

Stream 2 also emphasizes the importance of pre-construction requirements, ensuring that projects adhere to stringent regulatory and environmental standards. This involves due diligence in obtaining necessary permits and undergoing professional engineering assessments, ensuring that the water infrastructure not only serves its immediate purpose but also aligns with long-term regional development plans.

Another cornerstone of AWP Stream 2 is its alignment with provincial water management priorities, which prioritize enhancing stream flows and fish populations, and expanding the sustainability of food production systems. The program encourages projects that integrate modern technological solutions for water management, further enhancing efficiency and adaptability to future environmental changes.

Overall, AWP Stream 2 represents a pivotal opportunity for communities in British Columbia to advance their water infrastructure capabilities and secure their agricultural futures. By investing in these projects, the province not only improves its resilience against climate-induced challenges but also strengthens its agricultural sector’s competitiveness and sustainability on a large scale.