4. BMP POLICIES & PROCEDURES
4.1 BMP General Policies [Top]
4.1.1 Beneficial Management Practices Program
Producers who develop and have a completed, and current, EFP are eligible to apply for cost-shared incentives through the Growing Forward 2 Agreement "On-Farm Action" Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) Program to implement actions identified in their on-farm environmental action plans. The following sections lists the BMP categories and practices eligible for cost-shared funding in British Columbia. Each Category or Practice Code specifies the percentage of the project costs and the maximum amount of funds payable from the program.
4.1.2 Application Steps
- Complete an EFP for your farm and receive a ‘Statement of Completion’ from the BC ARDCORP recognized Planning Advisor;
- Fill out a BMP application form (providing all requested identification and details of your project);
- Have the application form signed by both the applicant and a Planning Advisor; and,
- Submit the application form to the ARDCORP office.
4.1.3 General Policy Statements and Conditions for BMP Program
The following policy statements and conditions of Beneficial Management Practices are for the Program Year April 1, 2015, to March 31, 2016, and are subject to annual revision during the life of the Growing Forward 2 Agreement. Previous BMP Category codes established under the former Agriculture Policy Framework Agreement (APF) have been maintained. All codes from the former APF agreement remain on the list as place holders in the event other organizations are able to fund these BMPs or there are policy changes which would allow them to be funded in at a future time.
4.1.3.1. Access to the BMP program
a. Access will be based on an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) that is less than 5 years old and reflects the current farm or ranch operation. The EFP must be renewed if it is more than 5 years old, or there have been changes made on the farm or ranch operation that could have impacted the environmental risk. This does not imply the farm operation will be able to access On-Farm Action program dollars nor does it imply the farm cap will be reset.
b. The farm or ranch operation is in British Columbia and has valid “Farm Class” land as designated by the BC Assessment Authority or is a First Nations agricultural operation with designated authority.
c. The applicant has a valid business (GST) number.
d. Access to certain BMPs requires additional assessments and planning be completed prior to approval (e.g., Nutrient or Riparian Management Plans). These BMPs are considered to be “linked” and the planning BMP must be completed and submitted prior to beginning a project. Planning BMPs also require prior approval.
4.1.3.2. Date
Funding is designated to change practices on existing farm or ranch operations where there is undesirable environmental risk(s) have been identified in the EFP. It is not designed for the development of new farm or ranch operations or to incent a change in enterprise type. The practice to be changed must have been in existence on the operation on or before January 1, 2008, to be eligible for funding. The On-Farm Action funding is designated to make necessary changes to existing operations or practices that are impacting water quality, quantity or climate change.
4.1.3.3. Farm Cap
Overall farm cap for BMP Program remains at $70K for any farm that has or is participating in the Canada-BC Environmental Farm plan Program. Those operations that participated in the BMP program under APF, Continuity Year or Growing Forward Agreements which have not reached the $70K farm cap can continue to access the program until such time as their farm cap has been met.
4.1.3.4. Projects per Application
Each eligible project constitutes a single application, but some projects may include more than one practice, however, category caps and farm caps still apply.
4.1.3.5. Number of project applications
Eligible farm or ranch operations are limited to two BMP applications per year per eligible farm enterprise. Planning BMP’s and engineering and technical design work are not included in this total.
4.1.3.6. Project justification
The merits of each project will be considered, so the following must be included with the BMP project application:
- What environmental issue is being addressed by this project?
- How will this project resolve the environmental issue?
4.1.3.7. Funding of partial projects
Funding for partial projects will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are eligible only when the partial projects, on their own, achieve significant environmental risk reduction. Requests for consideration must include justification or evidence of regulatory agency documentation which may have delayed project completion.
4.1.3.8. Equipment
Program may provide funding for the environmental enhancing components (incremental costs) of new or existing equipment. This is based on a project justification, cost estimates and may be subject to a technical review by appropriate experts.
4.1.3.9. Stacking
Program policy sets a percentage maximum amount of government funds which could be used towards the total project costs. For Growing Forward 2 environmental programming this has been set at 75%. Where funding is provided by a government agency and the agency deems that the funding is not from a Canadian government, a letter from the agency confirming the source of funds must accompany the request for payment.
4.1.3.10. In-kind
The primary purpose for allowing in-kind contributions to cover a portion of the project costs is to reduce the cash costs for the applicant. For Categories 10 and 11 the maximum in-kind contributions are limited to $10,000 of the total eligible cost share. For all other Categories the total estimated in-kind contributions are limited to 15% of the total eligible project costs. Reasonable hours of labour invested by the applicant, his/her dependents and business partner(s) may be claimed. Costs associated with education, project planning, supervision, or administration, are not eligible for funding. Eligible equipment costs are associated with equipment owned by the applicant and considered essential to implement the approved project. Materials in a farm’s inventory, or products produced on the farm and contributed to the project by the applicant, will not be considered as eligible in-kind contributions. The maximum allowable in-kind labour and equipment rates are specified in the BMP application form. If a farm business plans to claim for in-kind contributions, accurate estimates must be reflected in the total project cost submitted with the project application. All proposed use of in-kind labour and equipment must be identified on the initial BMP project application. Refer to BMP Application Form for more details. ARDCorp will make a final determination on what a reasonable rate is for the number of hours claimed, based on the BMP being implemented and the nature of the work performed.
4.1.3.11. Group or area-based Environmental Farm Plans
Where an approved group- or area-based environmental farm plan has been completed, individual BMP applications from group plan participants may be eligible for an incentive premium equivalent to a 10% lift in the individual practice code cost share or a $10K lift in the funding cap, whichever is lesser. To be eligible to receive the group plan incentive premium, projects undertaken by the group participants must be approved to be eligible by ARDCorp, identified as a potential BMP in the Group Plan report and must demonstrate that the cumulative impact of the project or projects will have a positive outcome. Group Plans and incentive funded projects will be evaluated to determine positive outcome, with general guidance being that the impact must cover more than 50% of the area covered by the participants of the group or area based plan. Refer to Group Plan Guidelines for more details on group planning.
4.1.3.12. Project initiation
Projects will be considered ineligible for funding if any portion has been initiated prior to approval.
4.1.3.13. Project completion
All projects must be completed prior to December 31 of the year they are approved. Approval of projects will be based on the assumption they will be complete by the end of the calendar year unless clearly specified in the BMP program category (i.e., a pre-approved multi- year span (up to the end of the agreement) for an approved riparian or shelterbelt planting. Work and invoices must be completed and dated on or before December 31 unless written consent by the program administration is given to carry on with project work beyond that date. Carrying on will only be considered in extenuating circumstances (i.e., delays as a result of regulatory approval).
4.1.3.14. Caps and Cost Shares for BMP Categories
These are valid for the 2015-2016 BMP Program Year beginning April 1, 2015 for some BMPs; however, they are subject to revision.
4.1.3.15. Materials on Hand
The program is unable to reimburse for materials on hand, whether in the farms inventory or products produced on the farm and contributed to the project by the applicant. Materials-on-hand with receipts are only eligible as part of the in-kind contribution calculations for fencing projects.
4.1.3.16. Evidence of payment
The program requires a paid invoice, cancelled cheque with invoice, or credit card transaction as evidence of payment.
4.1.3.17. Cancelled Projects
Any projects cancelled by applicant or exceed the time deadline are considered cancelled. Any materials or services obtained for a cancelled project are not eligible for payment if a new application is received at a later date. By previously starting a project, it does not mean it is ineligible for further consideration under a new application. However, all costs incurred for materials or services under the previous application will be ineligible for funding under the new application.
4.1.3.18. Individual BMP Details
The BMP Policy document should be consulted for complete details for all BMPs in regards to potential funding caps, eligibility and other important details.
4.1.3.19. Engineering or Technical Design
For projects that require an engineering or technical design, the design work must be carried out by a qualified professional or by an individual with demonstrated training and experience. Engineering or technical design work may be an eligible cost as a standalone item. Engineering or design costs should be included as part of the BMP costs or as a stand-alone for structures that require engineering approval (i.e., structures, roofs, etc.).
If required by a regulatory statute, an appropriately qualified professional means an applied scientist or technologist specializing in a relevant applied science or technology including, but not necessarily limited to, agrology, forestry, biology, engineering, geomorphology, geology, hydrology, hydrogeology or landscape architecture. An appropriately qualified professional must be registered in British Columbia with the appropriate professional organization, and acting under that association’s Code of Ethics and subject to disciplinary action by that association. He or she must also be someone who, through demonstrated suitable education, experience, accreditation and knowledge relevant to the particular matter, may be reasonably relied on to provide advice within his or her area of expertise.
If not required by regulatory statute, an appropriately qualified technical design maybe carried out by an individual who has suitable education, experience, accreditation and knowledge, and may be reasonably relied on to provide advice within his or her area of expertise. Upon request, individuals wishing to carry out a technical design must provide a CV to ARDCorp for review and approval.
4.1.3.20. Premises ID
The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for providing a livestock and poultry premises identification system for the BC livestock sector. A premises is any parcel of land where animals are kept, assembled, raised or disposed of. Premises ID is an important part of a full traceability system that also includes animal identification and animal movement. In the event of an animal health or disaster emergency, the faster suspect animals can be identified, the better. To be eligible for GF2 program funding premises registration is required for: Bison, Cattle, Chicken, Fallow Deer, Goats, Pigs, Reindeer, Sheep and Turkeys. Other livestock and poultry species can also be registered in the BC Premises Identification system.
A Premises Identification number is a unique national number assigned to a piece of land by the government of British Columbia and is a critical component of the National Livestock Traceability System. If you have livestock or poultry on your property, you are required to provide your 9-digit BC Premises Identification Number (e.g. BC33A13P4 or BC44TR55E) to be eligible for this cost-shared funding. If you have not previously registered your premises with the BC Ministry of Agriculture please visit the Ministry’s Website , email Send Mail or call (Toll Free) 1-888-221-7141 or (604) 556-3001 to register your premises.
4.1.3.21. Compliance
All projects must abide by all applicable federal, provincial and local government laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the Federal and Provincial environmental assessment and protection acts, trade agreements, and zoning bylaws.
4.2 BMP Policy Clarifications [Top]
Growing Forward 2 - Beneficial Management Practices
POLICIES AND CLARIFICATION - April 2017
Subject to updates - For internal use only (rev April 17)
| Category | Category Statement | Policy |
| General (From March 2014 PA Training Session |
How to ensure timely approval:
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| General | 1 |
Access to the BMP program: a. Access will be based on an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) that is less than 5 years old and reflects the current farm or ranch operation. The EFP must be renewed if it is more than 5 years old, or there have been changes made on the farm or ranch operation that could have impacted the environmental risk. This does not imply the farm operation will be able to access On-Farm Action program dollars nor does it imply the farm cap will be reset. b. The farm or ranch operation is in British Columbia and has valid “Farm Class” land as designated by the BC Assessment Authority or is a First Nations agricultural operation with designated authority. c. The applicant has a valid business (GST) number. d. Access to certain BMPs requires additional assessments and planning be completed prior to approval (e.g., Nutrient or Riparian Management Plans). These BMPs are considered to be “linked” and the planning BMP must be completed and submitted to ARDCorp prior to beginning a project. |
| 2 |
Date: Funding is designated to change management practices on existing farm or ranch operations and / or to improve physical landscape conditions where there is undesirable environmental risk(s) which have been identified in the EFP. Funding is not designed for the development of new farm or ranch operations or to incent a change in enterprise type. Management Practices: The management practice to be changed must have been in existence on the operation on or before January 1, 2008, to be eligible for funding. The on-farm action funding is designated to make necessary changes (mitigate) to an existing practice or practices that have or are causing an environmental impact.
Physical Landscape: A new farm operation may eligible for BMP funding to improve the physical landscape conditions if the environmental risk was present on the farm operation prior to 2008. To be eligible, the environmental risk must not have increased due to changes in the farm or ranch operations management practices or change in farm enterprise type.
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| 3 | Farm Cap: Overall farm cap for BMP Program is $70K for any farm that has or is participating in the Canada- BC Environmental Farm Plan Program. Those operations that participated in the BMP program under APF, Continuity Year or Growing Forward Agreements (2003 – 2012) which have not reached the $70K farm cap can continue to access the program until such time as their farm cap has been met. | |
| 4 | Projects per Application: Each eligible project constitutes a single application, but some projects may include more than one practice, however, category caps and farm caps still apply. | |
| 5 | Number of project applications: Eligible farm or ranch operations are limited to two BMP applications per year per eligible farm enterprise. Planning BMP’s and engineering and technical design work are not included in this total. | |
| 6 |
Project Justification: For each project the entire application form must be completed. In addition, the merits of each application will be considered, so the following must be included with the BMP project application:
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| 7 | Funding of partial projects: Funding for partial projects will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are eligible only when the partial projects, on their own, achieve significant environmental risk reduction. Requests for consideration must include justification or evidence of regulatory agency documentation which may have delayed project completion. | |
| 8 | Equipment: Program may provide funding for the environmental enhancing components of new or existing equipment. This is based on a project justification, cost estimates and may be subject to a technical review by appropriate experts. | |
| 9 | Stacking: Program policy sets a percentage maximum amount of government funds which could be used towards the total project costs. For Growing Forward 2 environmental programming this has been set at 75%. Where funding is provided by a government agency and the agency deems that the funding is not from a Canadian government, a letter from the agency confirming the source of funds must accompany the request for payment. | |
| 10 |
In-kind: One of the purposes of allowing in-kind contributions to cover a portion of the project costs is to reduce the cash costs for the applicant. The total value of the in-kind contribution must not exceed 15 per cent of the total project cost. In-kind is limited to labour and the use of equipment owned by the applicant. Proposed use of in-kind labour and equipment must be identified on the initial BMP project application. The maximum allowable in-kind labour and equipment rates are specified in the BMP application form. Refer to BMP Application Form for more details.
Reasons for rejecting in-kind
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| 11 |
Group or area based Environmental Farm Plans: Where an approved group or area-based environmental farm plan has been completed, individual BMP applications from group plan participants may be eligible for an incentive premium equivalent to a 10% lift in the individual practice code cost share or a $10K lift in the funding cap, whichever is lesser. To be eligible to receive the group plan incentive premium, projects undertaken by the group participants must be identified as a potential BMP in the Group Plan report and must demonstrate that the cumulative impact of the project or projects will have a positive outcome. Group Plans and incentive funded projects will be evaluated to determine positive outcome, with general guidance being that the impact must cover more than 50% of the area covered by the participants of the group or area based plan. Refer to Group Plan Guidelines for more details on group planning. |
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| 12 |
Project initiation: Projects will be considered ineligible for funding if any portion has been initiated prior to approval. |
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| 13 |
Project completion: Unless otherwise specified in the project approval letter, all projects must be completed prior to December 31 of the year they are approved. There may be some exceptions for some elements of group projects. Approval of projects will be based on the assumption they will be complete by the end of the calendar year. Work and invoices must be completed and dated on or before December 31 unless written consent by the program administration is given to carry on with project work beyond that date. Carrying on will only be considered in extenuating circumstances (i.e., delays as a result of regulatory approval). |
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| 14 |
Caps and Cost Shares for BMP Categories: These are valid for the 2014/2015 BMP Program Year beginning April 1, 2014; however, they are subject to revision. |
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| 15 |
Materials on Hand: The program is unable to reimburse for materials on hand, whether in the farms inventory or products produced on the farm and contributed to the project by the applicant. |
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| 16 |
Evidence of payment: In order to be reimbursed by the program, a copy of paid invoice, cancelled cheque with invoice, or credit card transaction as evidence of payment is required. |
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| 17 |
Cancelled Projects: Any projects cancelled by applicant or that have exceeded the time deadline are considered cancelled. Any materials or services obtained for a cancelled project are not eligible for payment if a new application is received at a later date. By previously starting a project, it does not mean it is ineligible for further consideration under a new application. However, all costs incurred for materials or services under the previous application will be ineligible for funding under the new application. |
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| 18 |
Engineering or Technical Design: For projects that require an engineering or technical design, the design work must be carried out by a qualified professional or by an individual with demonstrated training and experience. Engineering or technical design work may be an eligible cost as a standalone item. Engineering or design costs should be included as part of the BMP costs or as a stand-alone for structures that require engineering approval (i.e., structures, roofs, etc.). If required by a regulatory statute, an appropriately qualified professional means an applied scientist or technologist specializing in a relevant applied science or technology including, but not necessarily limited to, agrology, forestry, biology, engineering, geomorphology, geology, hydrology, hydrogeology or landscape architecture. An appropriately qualified professional must be registered in British Columbia with the appropriate professional organization, and acting under that association’s Code of Ethics and subject to disciplinary action by that association. He or she must also be someone who, through demonstrated suitable education, experience, accreditation and knowledge relevant to the particular matter, may be reasonably relied on to provide advice within his or her area of expertise.
If not required by regulatory statute, an appropriately qualified technical design may be carried out by an individual who has suitable education, experience, accreditation and knowledge, and may be reasonably relied on to provide advice within his or her area of expertise. Upon request, individuals wishing to carry out a technical design must provide a CV to ARDCorp for review and approval.
A. Engineering and technical design work may be an eligible cost as a standalone item if a project does not proceed for economic, technical or environmental reasons. B. Engineering costs should be included as part of the BMP costs for structures that require engineering approval (i.e., structures, roofs, etc.). |
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| 19 |
Premises Identification: If the applicant has livestock or poultry on their property, they are required to provide their 9-digit BC Premises Identification Number (e.g. BC33A13P4 or BC44TR55E) to be eligible for this cost-shared funding. A premises is any parcel of land where animals are kept, assembled, raised or disposed of. To be eligible for GF2 program funding premises registration is required for: bison, cattle, chicken, fallow deer, goats, pigs, reindeer, sheep, and turkeys. Other livestock and poultry species can also be registered in the BC Premises Identification system. A Premises Identification number is a unique national number assigned to a piece of land by the government of British Columbia and is a critical component of the National Livestock Traceability System. |
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| 20 |
Laws and Regulations: All projects must abide by all applicable federal, provincial and local government laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the Federal and Provincial environmental assessment and protection acts, trade agreements, and zoning bylaws. |
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| 21 |
Management Plans
The planning advisor should submit the application to ARDCorp as soon as possible upon initiating the plan so the funds can be allocated / approved for that BMP. The management plan will not be considered one of the two BMPs for the producer in this calendar year, IF required for another BMP. A copy of the plan is required on file at ARDCorp. Consultant Requirements for Plans Biodiversity: Several of the Planning Advisors have been trained to do Biodiversity Planning and have been approved for doing biodiversity plans under Growing Forward 2. Please see the list of qualified Biodiversity Planners on the ARDCorp website. Riparian Health Assessments: All Planning Advisors have the initial training required to develop a RHA plan. The plans will be submitted with producer claims and reviewed individually and marked on a performance level similar to the Biodiversity plans. The plans will be reviewed until the planning advisors show they are meeting an acceptable level. The RHA could to lead to a Riparian Management Plan. Technical assistance is available from BC Ministry of Agriculture Further to the discussions with the funding partners, the following revision will be effective immediately for the EFP Riparian Health Assessments through the Growing Forward program: a maximum cost of $1500 per report will be billed to ARDCorp by the PA (instead of the producer paying and claiming through the program). Nutrient Management Plans: If manure base, then the plan will need to address the manure stores and its handling in detail and should include the amount of manure produced, the use and cycle and period required to store. If the manure is removed from the farm, the plan is complete. Whereas if not, then the plan devised. Nutrient composition readings are to be submitted to ARDCorp with claim submissions. Only the technical information will be forwarded and no client info divulged.
Technical assistance is available from BC Ministry of Agriculture.
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1
IMPROVED MANURE STORAGE & HANDLING |
This BMP is no longer funded. There may be possible exceptions on a case-by-case basis for group projects. |
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2
MANURE TREATMENT |
See BMP list for details. Limited to poultry and livestock. Nutrient Management Plan: A NMP is now a prerequisite under this category. |
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3
MANURE LAND APPLICATION |
See BMP list for details.
Nutrient Management Plan: A NMP is now a prerequisite under this category. Only certain components of
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4
IN BARN
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Limited to poultry operations. |
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5
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1 |
See BMP list for details. |
| 2 |
Water Quality Protection: Upstream diversion to keep clean water clean and away from areas that could create contamination or structures that provide downstream protection are eligible. |
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6
RELOCATION OF LIVESTOCK FACILITIES |
1 |
See BMP list for details. |
| 2 |
Decommissions site: The site from which the relocation has occurred must remain under the control of the project applicant once the relocation has occurred. The existing site must be decommissioned. |
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7
WINTERING SITE MANAGEMENT |
See BMP list for details. Limited to livestock. |
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8
PRODUCT & WASTE MANAGEMENT |
1 |
Standard farm practices: fertilizer, fuel, pesticide and silage storage are considered standard practices and are not eligible for funding under GF2. See BMP list for details |
| 2 |
Some sector limitations. |
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| 3 |
Nutrient Management Plan: A NMP is required for practice code 0803. |
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| 4 |
Mulching mowers: Heavy duty mulching mowers for dealing with orchard prunings are eligible for incremental assistance. Eligible funding is based on the cost difference between conventional and mulching mowers. Based on technical evaluation by AGRI, the typical maximum project cost is $4,500 ($1,350 from the program). This is based on the difference between a conventional mower and a mulching mower. Rotary or flail mowers: These mowers, with side discharge or swinging arms that are designed to reduce pesticide use and target grass clipping management are ineligible in this category – they are eligible under Cat 1601. |
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9
WATER WELL MANAGEMENT |
No longer eligible for funding under GF2. |
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10
RIPARIAN AREA MANAGEMENT |
1 |
See BMP list for details. |
| 2 |
Alternate Watering Systems for Livestock: Practice Code 1001 includes the construction of wells, dugouts and spring development as eligible costs. |
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| 3 |
Riparian and/or Grazing Management Plans: Supplementary plans are a prerequisite under this category. |
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| 4 |
Cross fencing: Eligibility for funding must be based on a Riparian Management Plan or Grazing Management Plan (a Biodiversity Enhancement Plan may provide additional support) that identifies the importance and value of cross fencing in dealing with identified environmental risks and achieving environmental benefits. |
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| 5 |
Tree and Shrub Costs: Tree and shrub planting and establishment costs are limited to $50 per tree/shrub, exclusive of all establishment costs, including in-kind for Category 1002. |
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| 6 |
All Projects must be properly designed by an accredited engineering consultant or a qualified professional in accordance with federal provincial and local government regulations and specifications. An appropriated qualified technician may be used if not required by regulatory statute. Approval of projects will be contingent upon adherence to all federal, provincial, and municipal guidelines and regulations for project design and implementation. |
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| 7 |
Constructed Works: Eligible expenses will include site assessment, engineering design and materials, labour, and equipment rental associated with earthwork, installation of structures, and re-vegetation work in addition to the constructed works. |
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11
EROSION CONTROL STRUCTURES |
1 |
See BMP list for details. |
| 2 |
Riparian Management Plans: Supplementary plans are a prerequisite under category code 1101. |
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16
IMPROVED PEST MANAGEMENT |
1 |
See BMP list for details. |
| 2 |
Tower sprayers: Up to $5,000 ($1,500 from the program) can be provided for the additional incremental costs of converting an existing sprayer into a tower sprayer or of purchasing a new tower sprayer (based on technical evaluation by AGRI). |
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| 3 |
Tillage equipment: The incremental costs to modify conventional tillage equipment for the purposes for reducing pesticide are eligible for funding if they are included in the IPM plan. |
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| 4 |
An Integrated Management Plan must have been developed and implemented by the producer before applications under Category 16 can be approved.
Options for an Integrated Pest Management Plan:
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17
NUTRIENT RECOVERY FROM WASTE WATER |
1 |
See BMP list for details. |
| 2 |
Nutrient Management Plan: A NMP is required prior to access funding. |
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18
IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT |
1 |
Funding is no longer provided for nurseries, greenhouse operations and for tree fruit, grape and berry operations for irrigation equipment modifications/improvements to increase water and nutrient use efficiency. |
| 2 |
See BMP list for details. |
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| 3 | 1804 is limited to the Interior, Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands. | |
| 4 | Irrigation design: All eligible systems are to be based on a Certified Irrigation Plan. | |
| 5 | Irrigation efficiency: An efficiency increase of 15% must be identified in the certified plan. | |
| 6 | An existing irrigation system must be in place for category codes 1804 and 1805. | |
| 7 | Farm use change: Changes in farm use are deemed to be normal farm evolution. Irrigation upgrades associated with these changes are therefore eligible for funding assistance under the program provided they meet all other relevant irrigation requirements of the program. New systems are not eligible. | |
| 8 | Eligible technology: Conversions from one type of eligible irrigation technology to another type of eligible irrigation technology are eligible for assistance under the program provided they meet all other relevant irrigation requirements of the program. | |
| 9 |
Pre-existing irrigation systems:
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| 10 |
April 21, 2017 - The Province (Ministry of Agriculutre) has agreed to the following for Practice Code 1805 Applications for 2017-18 Program Year.
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19
BUFFER, HEDGEROW & SHELTERBELT ESTABLISHMENT |
See BMP list for details.
A Vegetative Buffer Plan is required. |
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24
NUTRIENT MGMT. PLAN |
1 |
See BMP list for details.
Consultant Qualifications: Producers and Planning Advisors to be provided with information on the desired qualifications of planning consultants. |
| 2 |
Divulge report findings: For those plans that cover the costs of manure, compost or soil testing, AGRI requires the analytical values (N, P, K, etc.), the lab name and/or method, the farm operation, the manure state (liquid or solid) and the regional district be provided. |
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25
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See BMP list for details.
Consultant Qualifications: Producers and Planning Advisors to be provided with information on the desired qualifications of planning consultants. |
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26
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See BMP list for details. |
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See BMP list for details. | |
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1 |
See BMP list for details.
Linked to Category 18, 5 and 3201. All projects except 1802 require certified plans. |
| 2 |
Consultative services for preparing certified irrigation plans. Site investigation, plan and quote preparation. Site inspection upon job completion. Certified designer must sign and seal each plan for project to be eligible. Certified designer must inspect project after completion and send a signed completion form to the program before payment for plan preparation and project costs are made. An invoice from the Certified Irrigation Designer must be submitted to produce outlining services. |
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30
RIPARIAN HEALTH ASSESSMENT |
See BMP list for details.
Linked to BMP 10 and 11.
Consultant fees to complete a Riparian Health Assessment or a combination of the Riparian Health Assessment and the Riparian Area Management Plan.
Riparian Area Management Plan consists of the RHA action plan, the design (layout, species and maintenance protocols) and implementation of the BMP project application. |
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31
METHANE EMISSION REDUCTION |
No longer funded under GF2. |
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32
NITROUS OXIDE EMISSION REDUCTION |
1 |
See BMP list for details |
| 2 |
Regional limitations: only the following areas are eligible – Stathcona, Comox Valley, Cowichan Valley, Metro Vancouver, and the Fraser Valley Regional District for 3201. |
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33
CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSION REDUCTION |
1 |
See BMP list for details.
An energy assessment and/or certified irrigation plan is required for some category codes. |
| 2 |
Equipment for no-tillage/ reduced tillage: 50% of the value of a zero-till drill is eligible for funding assistance. |
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34
VEGETATIVED BUFFER PLANNING |
See BMP list for details.
Linked to BMP 19. |
4.3 BMP Policy Archive [Top]
For Reference Only. Please refer to sections 4.1 and 4.2 for current policies and policy interpretation.
4.4 Management Plans [Top]
4.4.1 Nutrient
NMP Guidance
- Recognized Nutrient Management Planning
NMP Calculators
- Berry
- Berry (partially pre-filled)
- Forage imperial)
- Forage (metric)
- Vegetable
- NMP for Extensive Operations (e.g. beef)
4.4.2 Riparian
Riparian Management Plan - BMP Category 30
A riparian buffer is an area of trees and/or shrubs and herbaceous plants located next to a waterbody. The vegetation extends outward from the water body for a specified distance necessary to provide a minimum level of protection and/or enhancement.
4.4.2.1 Practice Information
This practice applies to areas adjacent to permanent or intermittent streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands and areas associated with ground water recharge. The riparian buffer is a multi-purpose practice design to accomplish one or more of the following:
- Stabilize banks and adjacent areas and reduce erosion and sedimentation.
- Create shade to maintain lower water temperatures and improve habitat for aquatic species.
- Maintain of enhance the quality of the environment, including visual aspects and biodiversity.
- Act as a buffer to filter out sediment, organic material, fertilizer, pesticides that may adversely impact the water body, including shallow ground water.
Riparian Management Plan Mandatory Documentation
A. Riparian Health Assessment (RHA)
A Riparian Health Assessment (RHA) must be completed for each project plan. The RHA is found in the EFP Riparian Management Field Workbook and consists of four worksheets (Forms 1-4) found in Appendix 1.
B. Project Plan Components and Specifications
Plans and designs are to be prepared for each specific BMP project site. The plan will identify site conditions, required permits if needed, and include design drawings showing:
- Map location of planned measures showing landscape features and other watercourse/waterbody connections if applicable (can be an aerial photo, cadastral or topographic map – full page size and colour);
- Detailed graphic design layout and area calculation of the project with cut and fill cross sections, if necessary;
- Location and requirements for site preparation;
- Plant species planting methods, depth and spacing;
- Mulching, fertilizer and irrigation requirements;
- Maintenance strategy for protecting the site and optimizing the success of the project; and,
- Photo point(s) and recommended timing of subsequent RHA’s.
Dominant vegetation consists of existing or planted trees and shrubs suited to the site and purpose (s) of the practice. Grasses and forbs that come in naturally further enhance the wildlife habitat and filtering and stability effect of the practice. Headcuts and streambank erosion should be assessed and treated appropriately before establishing the riparian buffer.
4.2.2.2 Criteria
Species Selection
Plant material used for this practice shall:
- Typically occur in the hydrologic zone into which they will be planted. See Figure 1 for hydrologic zone locations and descriptions.
- Be adapted, tested and proven cultivars in the regions in which they will be used.(see MAL Riparian Factsheets 4 and DFO website links)
- Produce plant communities that are compatible with those in the area when mature.
- Protect the watercourse/waterbody banks and help maintain channel capacity.
- Certified seed shall be used, if available, for all seeded species.
Establishment of Vegetation
- The species used, planting rates, spacing, and methods and dates of planting shall be based on plant materials program trials or other technical guidance, such as local planting guides or technical notes.
- Identify, mark, and protect desirable existing vegetation during practice installation.
- Biotechnical slope stabilization practices (a combination of vegetative and structural measures using living and inert materials) are to be used when flow velocities, soils, and bank stability preclude stabilization by vegetative establishment alone.
- The existing vegetation will be cleared in a 0.2 meter diameter around each site where container, balled, potted, plug, paper sleeve and bare root stock plantings are planted.
- A suitable seedbed shall be prepared for all seeded species. Compacted layers will be ripped and the soil re-firmed prior to seedbed preparation.
- Seeds will be planted using the method or methods best suited to site and soil conditions.
- All disturbed areas will be mulched as necessary. Mulch will be applied and anchored based on plant materials program trials or other technical guidance, such as local planting guides or technical notes.
Site Protection and Access Control
- Grazing animal access to planted areas will be controlled for a minimum of two growing seasons during the establishment period.
- All areas to be grazed will have a grazing plan that meets the criteria in BMP Category 26
- Grazing shall be permanently excluded on high hazard sites, such as cut banks, areas of seepage or other potentially unstable areas.
- Tree guards are recommended around landscaped areas as needed to protect against animal damage.
Considerations
- Stable, overhanging banks that provide shade and cover for fish should not be disturbed.
- Channel stabilization and streambank protection practices should be considered to facilitate establishment of channel vegetation.
- A riparian health assessment should be completed prior to the development of a BMP Project Plan.
- In constructed channels, consider the size of vegetation at maturity so as not to restrict the capacity of the channel or conflict with surrounding uses. Vegetative practices should be designed to provide effective stability and cover. Stability will allow for indigenous vegetation to volunteer on the site.
- Where economically feasible and practical, irrigation of new plantings should be considered.
- Protection of channel vegetation from upland sediment deposits resulting from wind and water erosion should be considered.
- Provisions for safety and protection of human life and property should be considered in all aspects of design, application, and maintenance.
- Techniques to minimize sedimentation impacts from practice installation, such as sediment barriers, erosion control fabric, and biodegradable mulches, should be considered.
Operation and Maintenance
Maintenance for this practice includes the following:
Management of vegetative growth, as applicable, by mowing, prescribed grazing, and fertilizer, or other means to maintain the desired cover. Vegetative removal will be restricted to periods having the least impacts on nesting wildlife. All species shall be allowed adequate time for re-growth in order to provide winter cover. Care must be taken to not incur a HADD. If you are unsure, please contact DFO.
Repair of protection barriers and fences will be completed as needed.
- Bankfull Discharge Elevation: In natural streams, it is the elevation at which water fills the channel without overflowing onto the floodplain.
- Toe Zone:The portion of the bank that is between the average water level and the bottom of the channel, at the toe of the bank. Vegetation is generally herbaceous emergent aquatic species, tolerant of long periods of inundation.
- Bank Zone: The area above the Toe Zone located between the average water level and the bankfull discharge elevation. Vegetation may be herbaceous or woody, and is characterized by flexible stems and rhizomatous root systems.
- Overbank Zone: The area located above the bankfull discharge elevation continuing upslope to an elevation equal to two thirds of the flood prone depth. Vegetation is generally small to medium shrub species.
- Transitional Zone: The area located between the overbank zone, and the flood prone width elevation. Vegetation is usually larger shrub and tree species.
Upland Zone: The area above the Transitional Zone; this area is seldom if ever saturated.
Note: some channels have fewer than four hydrologic zones because of differences in soils, topography, entrenchment and/or moisture regime.
Publications
- Riparian health assessment - streams
- Riparian health assessment - wetlands
- Riparian plant acquisition and handling
- Economics of riparian plantings
- Selecting plants for riparian plantings