Starting today, British Columbia’s farmers have a new opportunity to bolster their operations with cutting-edge technology. The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program, launched in 2023 and delivered by Innovate BC, is now accepting applications for its third intake. This program, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), offers cost-shared funding to help farmers adopt technologies that enhance profitability, productivity, and efficiency.
The current intake focuses on commercially available farming technologies that can improve various aspects of food production, from growing and harvesting to packing and storing. A significant emphasis is placed on labour-saving technologies, addressing the ongoing labour shortages and streamlining labour-intensive tasks. This is a timely initiative, as the agricultural sector continues to grapple with labour challenges and the need for increased efficiency.
Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food, highlighted the importance of local food production, stating, “In light of the heightened focus on sustainability, now more than ever, it is crucial for consumers to buy local produce.” She emphasized that the program will help farmers increase their efficiency and production, address labour challenges, and ultimately, produce more food for local communities.
Farmers in British Columbia can apply for funding from March 17 to April 28. The governments of Canada and British Columbia have allocated up to $2.25M for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. This funding can be used to purchase new technologies such as automated weeding equipment, harvesters, and machinery that can perform tasks with minimal human interaction, like automated grading and sorting machines.
Since its inception, the program has already made a significant impact, awarding $4.12M to support 85 farm projects in B.C. These projects have adopted new technologies, demonstrating the program’s potential to drive innovation in the agricultural sector.
Peter Cowan, President and CEO of Innovate BC, underscored the importance of innovation in strengthening local food security and keeping B.C. farms competitive. He noted that the program helps farmers access cutting-edge agritech, boosting efficiency and resilience.
The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program is part of Innovate BC’s Integrated Marketplace suite of programming. It is funded by the Sustainable CAP, a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments. This investment aims to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resilience of Canada’s agriculture, agrifood, and agriculture-based products sector.
Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, emphasized the role of innovation in supporting farmers and building a more resilient economy. She stated, “Through B.C.’s Integrated Marketplace, we are supporting our agriculture sector to adopt new technologies to make their businesses more productive and profitable, and make our economy stronger.”
The program’s impact is already evident in the success stories of participating farmers. Sam DiMaria, Owner of Bella Rosa Orchards, shared his experience, stating, “Labour is the highest operating cost for my orchard, and I knew that adopting a mobile picking platform could help address this. The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program support allowed me to bring in the platform, which is already making a difference.” DiMaria’s experience underscores the program’s potential to drive innovation and efficiency in the agricultural sector.
As the program enters its third intake, it continues to play a crucial role in supporting B.C.’s farmers, driving innovation, and building a more resilient and competitive agricultural sector. With the increasing focus on sustainability and local food production, this program is a step in the right direction, helping farmers meet the challenges of the 21st century.
