PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT, B.C. – The BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund (PACF) board of directors has approved $180,298 in grant funding to support agricultural production and related economic activity in the Peace Region.

From $5,000 for an inaugural two-day agricultural conference and market in Dawson Creek to $80,380 for a forage lands rejuvenation research project, the varying projects will financially support eight organizations and provide far-reaching benefits to the agricultural community and beyond.

Grants were approved through three funding streams:

• Events and Educational Initiatives: 3
• Farming Infrastructure: 4
• Research and Demonstration Initiatives: 1

Since 2018, more than $1.7 million has been approved through the PACF. There are two intake cycles for the fund in 2023, with the current intake running from December 2, 2022, to January 31, 2023. The following intake will open July 31 and close September 29, 2023.

Recipients include:

Chetwynd Public Library Association (Chetwynd): $5,000 to expand the Seed Library Educational Initiative. This is the third time the Chetwynd Public Library has received funding from PACF for their Seed Library. The program increases food security by allowing residents to grow their own food, supports local growing businesses and creates more food opportunities for wildlife and pollinating insects.

Community Futures Development Corporation – Peace Liard (Dawson Creek): $5,000 to bring the inaugural Agro Connect Conference and Agricultural Market to the Peace Region in February. The two-day event will bring together agricultural producers to share resources, learnings and provide an opportunity for attendees to network. The conference will introduce and inform the community about local opportunities to support food security in the region.

Peace River Forage Association (Peace Region): $80,380 through the Research and Demonstration Initiatives funding stream to conduct research on the use of prescribed burning and how it impacts soil carbon storage in the Peace Region. Conducted over three years, data collection will focus on forage production, forage nutrition and soil health. Results will be disseminated regionally, provincially and nationally.

Zoe Newton (Taylor): $31,346 to establish a three-acre orchard to provide direct access to local fruit, increase awareness of the fruit that thrives in the local climate and engage with youth and others to learn about and pursue careers that develop the agriculture industry in the Peace Region.

Below is a complete list of all the projects that were approved in the seventh intake of the PACF:

Quotes
Joel McKay, CEO, Northern Development
“These eight projects demonstrate the diverse ways people in the Peace Region are strengthening the agricultural industry and economy while supporting their neighbours with quality, local products. The PACF is pleased to support a broad range of organizations whose work directly benefits agriculture in the Peace Region.”

Bob Gammer, Site C Community Relations Manager, BC Hydro
“We are proud to support agricultural initiatives such as these that will provide great benefits to the Peace River area. We recognize the important role agriculture plays in the region and remain committed to supporting local growers and producers.”

Rick Kantz, chair, BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund
“This round of funding supports a wide range of agricultural projects that will benefit the Peace Region. From infrastructure improvements that will enhance operations for producers to initiatives that introduce agriculture to residents on a new level, the PACF is pleased to continue supporting local growers and producers.”

Sue Kenny, general manager, Community Futures Development Corporation – Peace Liard
“We are very grateful to receive this funding to support the inaugural Agro Connect Conference. Food Security is at the top of our minds. This is a community partnership with NKC Marketing, we want to increase public awareness by showcasing our local producers and attracting newcomers through events such as Agro Connect.”

Melissa Millsap, library director, Chetwynd Public Library Association
“The Chetwynd Public Library is so grateful for the funds we receive through the BC Hydro Agricultural Compensation Fund. With these funds, we have been able to expand the seed library service by giving out free kits to our library patrons. A lot of care and thought are put into these kits, having everything needed to set the growers up for success. This is something that our community has come to be very excited about and it is fantastic to see people of all ages learn so many great and wonderful things about what they can grow. Thank you so much!”

Neil Ward, president, Peace River Forage Association
“Across the Peace Region, prescribed fire has long been a land management tool used by farmers, ranchers, and Indigenous communities alike. We are excited to have the opportunity to study its effects on the environment as well as train and educate residents and stakeholders about safe procedure and pasture rejuvenation benefits of this tool.