Victoria, B.C. (Rural Roots Canada) – A new round of federal and provincial funding will give new and early-stage farmers in British Columbia a leg up in launching or strengthening their agricultural operations.
The New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program is reopening for applications. Delivered through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), it supports new farmers in developing or updating business plans, preparing growth strategies, and implementing infrastructure and productivity improvements. Applications are now open and close on November 24, 2025, with implementation funding expected to begin in spring 2026.
“New and young farmers are the future of agriculture in Canada,” said Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food, in a release. “Investments through the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program are helping early-stage B.C. farmers with planning and pursuing new growth opportunities that will support their long-term success.”
The program provides up to $120,000 in Phase 1 and $600,000 in Phase 2 funding. It’s cost-shared between the federal and provincial governments as part of the five-year, $3.5 billion Sustainable CAP agreement, which runs through to 2028.
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Past participants have used the program to expand infrastructure and improve efficiency on their farms.
“We were able to use the funding from this program to build a cold-frame greenhouse, which has been instrumental in expanding our business and growing season,” said Mikayla MacLeod, co-owner of Charnwood Flowers.
Cowichan Station Creamery in Duncan, B.C., invested in hay feeders to reduce feed waste and labour time. Co-owner Henry Rekers said the investment had an immediate impact on efficiency. “Not only did we exceed our goal of reduction of feed waste, the addition of our new feeders allowed us to switch to 100% machine handling of our feed.”
Lana Popham, B.C.’s Minister of Agriculture and Food, said the program plays an important role in strengthening local food systems. “B.C. farmers play a key role in our regional food systems, and it is crucial that we support the next generation of farmers so they can continue to feed British Columbians,” she said.
This is the third round of funding for the program. The pilot intake supported 64 participants, while the second intake supported 75 in Phase1 and 53 in Phase 2. Past projects have included investments in greenhouses, tractors, irrigation systems, flash freezers, animal pens, and rainwater harvesting systems.
A “new entrant farm business” is defined as one that not yet reported farm income to the Canada Revenue Agency or has done so for five years or less.
Additional support for producers and processors is also available through the B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program, which will open its next intake later this year.
