BC Hydro's Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund (PACF) board of directors has dropped some cash on the Peace. The board approved $383,714 in grant funding to support agricultural production and related economic activity in the Peace Region.
From large to small, no project too short or tall. $100,000 for the BC Grain Producers Association to conduct field research to $1,715 for a gardener in Taylor to construct a fence around an organic field, the varying projects will financially support 12 organizations and provide far-reaching benefits to the agricultural community and beyond.
Talon Gauthier, area director with Bear Mountain Grazing Association said receiving this grant through the PACF allows Bear Mountain Grazing Association to invest in much-needed upgrades to the community pasture without financially burdening members. The association picked up $28,860 to install approximately 3.7 kilometres of fencing around a community pasture on Crown grazing land.
"The association realizes the need for new fencing to keep livestock safely contained on the pasture and prevent cattle from accessing neighbouring properties.”
Other recipients include:
Jedidiah Franklin (Peace River Regional District): $50,000 to build a pellet mill to produce organic alfalfa pellets to be sold as livestock feed. Before the project, Franklin produced and shipped alfalfa to Vancouver. By transitioning to providing pellets, the farm will reduce its fossil fuel footprint by approximately half as it takes less fuel to transport pellets. This will result in environmental and financial benefits for the proponent while delivering a new product to the Peace Region.
Julian Napoleon (Peace River Regional District): $28,320 to assist with investing in equipment such as a greenhouse and caterpillar tunnel to extend the growing season. Napoleon operates as an independent farm business start-up under a sole proprietorship structure on Amisk Farm on East Moberly Indian Reserve 169 (Saulteau First Nations). This project will allow Napoleon to capitalize on shoulder season marketing opportunities and the ability to produce high-value heat loving crops, such as tomatoes, basil, peppers and pole beans, while positively contributing to food security in the region.
Peace Region Forage Seed Association (Peace River Regional District): $60,745 for the Peace Region Forage Seed Association (PRFSA) to build on and improve pest surveillance activities in the region. PRFSA will gather surveillance data on key pest species (insect, pathogen and invasive plants) for forages seed, forage, pulse, horticulture, oilseeds and grains. By improving longer-term data sets and enhancing producers’ capacity to forecast, identify, prepare and mitigate pest issues, this project will allow producers to adapt their operations more successfully in response to pest challenges.
