AIDI Call for Proposals Now Closed

The Agroforestry Management Committee has announced today, December 3, 2012, effective immediately, that it has closed the call for proposals for cost-share funding through the British Columbia Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative (AIDI).

The AIDI is no longer accepting applications or letters of intent, but will continue to support approved projects and the extension of agroforestry information to our stakeholders through December 31, 2013.

The AMC thanks all those who have expressed their interest and support to facilitate the development and adoption of agroforestry practices in B.C.

Funding for the AIDI is provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In British Columbia, the CAAP program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C. (IAF). The Province of British Columbia provides in-kind support to the AIDI.  The Federation of B.C. Woodlot Associations administers the AIDI with the guidance of the Agroforestry Management Committee, a group representing B.C.'s agroforestry sector including agricultural, forestry and provincial government representatives.

Call for Proposals, B.C. Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative

British Columbia's forestry (woodlot), agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sectors can now access funding under the B.C. Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative (AIDI) to facilitate the development and adoption of agroforestry practices in B.C.

Agroforestry involves the intentional combination of trees with crops and/or livestock in order to enhance production.  Agroforestry can be defined as production systems which synergistically integrate both agricultural and forestry practices and products resulting in optimal management of land, animal and human resources.

The AIDI is working to support the development and adoption of agroforestry practices for the benefit of all British Columbians.  A new provincial agroforestry strategic plan was published in 2009 to guide development priorities and expand industry participation.

The AIDI seeks proposals for innovative projects from individuals and/or groups that address one or more of the Initiative's strategic goals:

1. Develop the business case for agroforestry practices in B.C.;
2. Improve market connections for agroforestry products and services;
3. Demonstrate agroforestry practices to showcase operational examples of agroforestry systems;
4. Improve agroforestry awareness, extension and education; and,
5. Expand and strengthen partnerships among agroforestry practitioners and stakeholder organizations.

Up to $421,000 dollars of funding is available to match industry contributions to implement the AIDI’s goals through 2013. Proposals may be submitted immediately and on an ongoing basis, with cost-share funding allocated to qualified proponents for approved projects on first-come, first serve basis until all funds have been committed.  All projects must be completed by December 31, 2013.

Funding for the AIDI is provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In British Columbia, the CAAP program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C. (IAF). The Province of British Columbia provides in-kind support to the AIDI.  The Federation of B.C. Woodlot Associations administers the AIDI with the guidance of the Agroforestry Management Committee, a group representing B.C.'s agroforestry sector including agricultural, forestry and provincial government representatives.

For further information on the AIDI, and links to the application guide and forms, please visit http://www.agroforestry.info/p/funding.html

Government of Canada Invests in Agroforestry Innovation in British Columbia

Quesnel, British Columbia, July 16, 2010 – The Government of Canada is investing to help the province's agricultural and forestry (woodlot) sectors remain profitable and competitive together. Member of Parliament Dick Harris (Prince George), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, today announced the investment of $421,000 for the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations (FBCWA).

"BC farmers, ranchers and tree growers are always looking for new ways to help them remain competitive and maintain their long-term profitability," said MP Harris, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "This investment will make it easier for farmers to take advantage of new and emerging opportunities while keeping their land healthy."

This investment will help the FBCWA identify how best to grow trees, crops or raise livestock on the same land while maximizing production, increasing profitability and preserving the land.

"This investment by the Government of Canada through the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C. (IAF) gives woodlot owners and licensees the opportunity to link agroforestry products to potential markets," said Brian McNaughton, General Manager of the FBCWA. "Creating another source of revenue is very important to woodlotters' future success, as it gives them a reason to reinvest in the land."

The FBCWA was formed in 1988 as a volunteer, non-profit organization and consists of 23 woodlot associations. The federation aims for all its members, many of whom are farmers and ranchers, to practice sound forest and natural resources management.

"Many of B.C.'s agricultural producers are looking for opportunities to diversify their operations," said Jim Tingle, IAF Director. "This funding will help our farmers and ranchers better understand how agroforestry practices can contribute to the viability, diversity and stability of their operations."

This investment is being provided by Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP), a five-year (2009-2014), $163-million national initiative that aims to help the Canadian agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive. In British Columbia, CAAP is delivered by the IAF. In-kind support is being offered by the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. Eligible CAAP projects could be in areas of traceability, environment, climate change, capacity development, pests and diseases, and more.

Canada's Economic Action Plan, coupled with other Government of Canada programs and initiatives such as CAAP, continues to help farmers as it focuses on creating jobs and strengthening the economy. Investments in viable market opportunities will help build an even stronger agriculture industry and Canadian economy.

For more information on CAAP, please visit www.agr.gc.ca/caap. To learn more about the IAF, please visit www.iafbc.ca.