B.C. program supports new farmers
British Columbia’s New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program is intended to help new and small-scale farmers expand their businesses and strengthen food security in their communities.
Farmers can apply for the first phase of the program, which provides support for business planning and a growth strategy.
The second phase will support the implementation of that growth strategy and includes funding for on-farm infrastructure and equipment, such as greenhouses, tractors and irrigation systems.
The program is an update to the Small Farm Business Acceleration Pilot Program, which began in 2020 as part of the province’s COVID-19 Stronger BC economic recovery plan. It supported more than 60 farmers.
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Applications for the first phase of the program will be accepted until Nov. 30 or until funds are fully allocated. Applicants who complete Phase 1 are eligible to apply for Phase 2 funding.
The program is receiving $600,000 through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
U of G prof joins United Nations committee
Evan Fraser, director of the Arrell Food Institute and professor of geography at the University of Guelph, has been appointed to the steering committee of the United Nations Committee on World Food Security’s High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition.
The panel assesses the science related to global food security and nutrition and provides the committee with independent analysis and advice.
The panel is governed by a steering committee of 15 world-renowned scientists drawn from academia, research institutions, the public and private sector, civil society and other constituencies.
Fraser has been director of the Arrell Food Institute since 2017.
He researches food issues and co-authored several books on food security topics.
