New and established British Columbia-based agrifood businesses can use the upgraded AgriService BC website to explore government programs and apply for funding that meet their business needs.

The improved website provides new and established crop, livestock and seafood producers, as well as food processors, with easy-to-access information organized to help clients begin or expand their operations. A search option helps clients to find the specific program or information they are looking for.

Also included are webinars, giving producers and processors the opportunity to hear from the Ministry of Agriculture and other outside experts on key topics.

The first webinar, Licensing Groundwater - What You Need to Know, is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Jan. 17, 2018. It will offer information and advice on the impacts the Water Sustainability Act has on water rights and licensing requirements for agricultural groundwater users.

The second webinar, scheduled for 3 p.m. on Feb. 14, 2018, is with a Ministry of Agriculture entomologist, and will discuss the new and emerging crop pests found in the summer of 2017 (including armyworm and rootworm).

The webinars can be joined through: gov.bc.ca/agriservicebc

The improvements in the website reflect feedback and advice provided by agriculture and seafood sector representatives, with the goal of spreading awareness about government programs available to B.C. agribusinesses.

AgriService BC offers four channels of service — online, phone, email and in-person — to provide information on the programs and services available from the B.C. government to support the agriculture and seafood sector in British Columbia.

AgriService BC can be reached through gov.bc.ca/agriservicebc, 1 888 221-7141, agriservicebc@gov.bc.ca, or at any Ministry of Agriculture office.