The BC Milk Marketing Board’s is accepting applications until February 7 from potential new entrants in advance of a random draw that will select 10 candidates who will vie for the opportunity to be one of three new dairy producers beginning production by the end of 2024.
But this year’s program will also include an organic stream, “in an effort to match the high demand that exists in the organic industry … [and] encourage more new entrants to venture into organic farming.”
The additional stream was approved December 21, and will run alongside the existing program. Candidates can use the standard NEP application but must indicate their interest in producing organic milk.
“Successful candidates will receive a one-time organic incentive allocation of 30% on all of the NEP Quota,” BC Milk explains. “This allows an organic farmer to begin operations with up to 40.3 kg of quota.”
The standard program provides 31 kg of quota (15 kg initial allocation+8 kg purchased quota+8 kg matching allocation).
Candidates whose applications meet board requirements are guaranteed an interview with the NEP selection committee. They will not be entered into the random draw reserved for conventional producers.
BC Milk says new entrants chose through the organic stream will have three years to begin production “due to the additional requirements for organic production.”
Candidates chosen to become new entrants will be announced following interviews in July 2023.
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