VICTORIA — Agricultural producers affected by devastating flooding in British Columbia last November can apply for recovery funds through a $228-million package announced Monday by the provincial and federal governments.
The total losses for the agricultural sector from flooding that stretched across the Fraser Valley into the southern Interior are believed to amount to about $285 million, B.C. Agriculture Minister Lana Popham told a news conference.
The widespread flooding and landslides followed “destructive, climatechange-related” wildfires, drought and heat waves last summer, she noted.
At the peak of the flooding, more than 1,100 farms were under evacuation order or alert and 150 square kilometres of farmland were swamped. Dairy, poultry, beef and hog farms saw serious losses of animals and infrastructure, she said, and more than 7,500 tonnes of field vegetables and other crops were lost.
The recovery funds will go toward expenses not covered by existing government programs or private insurance, Popham said, such as the cleanup and restoration of land, barns, water and wastewater systems, and other essential infrastructure.
The province has started soil assessments and found some instances of contamination, she said, adding that the funding could be used for remediation.
The funds may also be used to address the loss of perennial plants not raised for resale, like blueberries, and cover the rental of temporary production facilities. Animal welfare expenses, such as replacement feed, livestock transportation and veterinary care, may also be eligible under the program, Popham said.
Asked how long it will take to get the $228 million in aid into the hands of farmers and ranchers, Popham said she knows they need support as quickly as possible.
The online application portal opened Monday and 20 ministry staff were on standby to work one-on-one with each successful applicant, she said.
“There are some very desperate situations right now and farmers need cash now,” Popham said. “We’re going to be able to give interim payments, quickly.”