British Columbia's agricultural and agri-products sector can increase its competitive edge through funding under a new innovation program to facilitate the development and adoption of innovations in the B.C. agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sector.

The Canada-B.C. Agri-Innovation Program is a new initiative funded with up to $1.5 million through the federal and provincial Growing Forward Agreement, and will enable the sector to undertake projects that lead to innovations that will enhance profitability and competitiveness, both on-farm and throughout the rest of the supply chain. Examples include projects aimed at assessing or adopting technologies on farms or in processing facilities, such as waste processing or energy efficiency.

The program seeks proposals for projects that address stakeholder needs and are intended to assess, demonstrate or result in the advancement of product, process, or technology innovation. Where appropriate, industry cost-sharing is expected.

The program is open to businesses, individuals, groups and associations. Eligible technical innovations will be new or improved products, processes, and technologies, not generally available or not widely adopted in B.C.

Proposals may be submitted immediately, with a closing date of Friday, Aug. 5, 2011 for the first intake, which will be adjudicated in September 2011. Proposals received after Aug. 5, 2011 will be considered (see additional response deadlines), up to July 13, 2012, funding permitting. All projects must be completed by March 31, 2013.

The program will be delivered on behalf of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C. (IAF). IAF is an industry-led, not-for-profit corporation that strategically invests federal and provincial funds in support of projects that benefit the agriculture and agri-food industry in B.C.

The five-year Growing Forward Agreement ends in 2013 and includes $475 million in federal and provincial support to the B.C. agricultural sector to help provide income stability and insurance against losses through Business Risk Management programs. An additional $78 million is being invested in programs designed to help farmers and other participants in the agricultural and agri-product sector increase their competitiveness and profitability.

For more information on the Canada-B.C. Agri-Innovation Program and the application process, visit: www.iafbc.ca

Contacts:

Niki Pandachuk
Ministry of Agriculture
250 387-1693
Jackie Stewart
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
604 666-8851