BRITISH COLUMBIA – The $3-million grant program is part of StrongerBC, BC’s Economic Recovery Plan. The plan outlines the latest steps the Government of British Columbia is taking to help people, businesses and communities come out of COVID-19 stronger and better prepared.
Agritech is the application of technology to improve the farming and food-production process.
Examples include placing a smart sensor in the soil to communicate back to a farmer about soil conditions or using software that tracks satellite imagery to help map and manage farmland.
“This grant will allow agritech companies to develop technology that will help farmers increase their productivity and economic opportunity,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “This year has reinforced the need to support local farmers, now and into the future. With the use of technology, they will be better equipped to enhance BC’s food security, strengthen our supply chains and keep people healthy.”
The program is open to BC-based agritech and agriculture businesses, as well as international agritech companies that are partnered with BC-based businesses.
The program will help accelerate the growth of BC’s agritech sector and help agritech companies grow and anchor in BC.
“Agricultural technology is core to helping ensure that BC farmers can grow the food that people need,” said Lenore Newman, director, Food and Agriculture Institute, University of Fraser Valley. “Through initiatives like this, we can build a more secure food supply, all while enhancing the province’s competitiveness.”
The base eligibility for the program is:
• a company must operate and pay taxes in BC, employ at least 10 BC residents and raise at least 25 per cent of the funding from another source.
• Applications close on Feb. 12, 2021, with successful applicants notified in early March 2021.
• The grants will be disbursed to recipients by March 31, 2021.
• Eligible companies can receive grants of up to $500,000.
For more information on the Agritech Grant program, including the application process and eligibility, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/agritechgrant
