New Buy BC e-commerce funding is available to help the province’s farmers and food and beverage processors overcome some lost sales during the COVID-19 pandemic by moving their products online.

High-quality care for animals in B.C.’s shelters, BC SPCA facilities, zoos and aquariums will continue during the COVID-19 response, with funding available to help organizations cover the costs of food and medicine for their animals.

All temporary foreign workers (TFWs) arriving in British Columbia for seasonal farm work will be required to self-isolate in government-managed accommodations for 14 days prior to being transported to farms throughout B.C. during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Greenhouse operators can now apply for carbon tax relief grants for the 2020 production year, until May 1, 2020.

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) is helping member markets move to an online model to continue providing consumers with locally grown and prepared food products.

Amendments to the Agricultural Land Commission Act are now in force, improving the ability of the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) to preserve farmland, encourage farming and protect local food supplies throughout British Columbia.

Provincial health-care facilities are working hard to serve patients and residents more local food, supporting farmers, fishers, ranchers and processors, and connecting more people with food from B.C. communities.

Enhanced guides on starting and financing farm co-operatives in B.C. will help farmers build their businesses by providing information on how to pool resources and market their products collectively.

Twenty B.C. farmers and food processors are receiving support from the federal and provincial governments to upgrade equipment that tracks animal and product movement.