Summary

• The $2.5-million Novel Tools and Technologies Program is helping egg and poultry producers in the Fraser Valley protect their flocks from avian influenza
• Poultry farmers are encouraged to apply and get an extra layer of defence on their barns
• Approximately 50 poultry farms will be supported through approximately $1.4 million in this round
• In 2025, 29 farms received more than $800,000 to install new technology, including air filters and ultraviolet light systems in their barns, and two research projects received as much as $150,000

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The Province is continuing to support B.C. poultry farmers so people can rely on a safe supply of chicken, turkey and eggs, and to strengthen B.C.’s food security and food economy.

The Novel Tools and Technologies Program helps poultry farms combat the risk of avian influenza and protect flocks from the virus.

Strong biosecurity key to preventing avian influenza

Feedback from the first round of funding shows more than 80% of producers would recommend the technology to other poultry farmers. Some farm owners credited the new technology as a key reason their birds weren’t infected with avian influenza during the recent high-risk season and said they were feeling confident with this new protection compared to previous years.

The current intake for applications is June 1-30, 2026, with Fraser Valley, Langley and Surrey farms eligible for the support. The program is administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C.

Learn More:

• For program details and application criteria, visit: https://iafbc.ca/novel-tools-and-technology/
• For Ministry of Agriculture and Food information about avian influenza, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/animals-and-crops/animal-health/reportable-notifiable-diseases/avian-influenza-ai