Fresh landslides in the Nicola Valley last week underscored the ongoing impacts of last year’s extreme weather as the deadline for applications to the federal-provincial AgriRecovery program unveiled in response to last November’s catastrophic mudslides and flooding approached.
But just a fraction of the $228 million allocated to the 2021 Flood Recovery Program for Food Security have been disbursed, as provincial adjusters continue to process applications and verify claims.
“There have been over 500 applications received and over $46 million provided to help with expenses,” the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food reports. “Ministry staff continue to assist farmers with their applications and assessments at more than 450 sites.”
The program was announced February 7, and aimed to cover extraordinary expenses not covered by other government programs, private insurers or not-for-profit groups. The list of eligible expenses included animal feed; shelter, fencing, the loss of perennial plants not raised for resale; and returning land to agricultural production.
Government estimates developed following discussions with industry pegged the total value of eligible expenses at $285 million. While governments were criticized for not rolling out support sooner, the program was widely hailed as meeting the needs of industry.
“Today’s announcement will bring a sense of relief to many impacted farmers and ranchers, and we know it will offer support that is urgently needed,” BC Agriculture Council chair Stan Vander Waal said in a statement when the program was announced.
“The industry welcomes the announced funding which will go a long way in supporting industry recovery from the unprecedented damage caused by last November’s atmospheric river event,” added Harvey Sasaki, chair of the BC Chicken Marketing Board.
While the slow distribution of funds has been criticized, the province says work continues towards ensuring producers receive the support necessary.
The deadline for applications was originally set at June 1, but extended to maximize participation in view of the challenges in compiling claims for work that remains ongoing on many farms.
“Many clients will need additional visits over the coming months as decisions on planting and repairs are made, and some repairs and replant will not be completed until the end of 2023,” the province says.
“There’s just so much work; it just never ends,” remarked vegetable grower Dave Khakh of KBF Farms in Abbotsford this week.
Regional processing supported