Farmers beginning operations in British Columbia are getting help to plan and grow under the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program.
“B.C. farmers play a key role in our regional food systems, and it is crucial that we support the next generation of farmers so they can continue to feed British Columbians,” says Lana Popham, B.C. Minister of Agriculture and Food.
Eligible farmers will also be able to apply for funding to implement their growth strategy in spring 2026, including support for on-farm infrastructure and other investments.
Farmers who participated in the last intake of the program have succeeded in increasing farm income and productivity. For example, Louise Lecouffe and Jed Wiebe of Elderberry Grove Farm in Salmon Arm received support to build a larger on-site facility with better storage and processing space. These improvements make it possible to offer more elderberry products to consumers.
“We’re so grateful for the support we received,” says Lecouffe, co-owner of the farm. “It feels amazing to have a space that works perfectly for elderberry. Having the right facility makes our work easier and helps us share even more of this wonderful berry.”
In Creston, orchardists Trent Mason and Emily Chambers, owners of Blue Canoe Orchards, received funding to purchase a tractor from the pilot stage of the program in 2023. This helped them increase sales and productivity from their orchard with almost 900 cherry trees.
The program is supported by a $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments. Funds are committed until 2028.
Top photo: Louise Lecouffe and Jed Wiebe grow and process elderberries in Salmon Arm.