BC Hydro Agricultural Fund Approves $1 Million in Funding for Two Peace Region
Projects

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT, B.C. – The board of directors for the BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund (Ag Fund) has approved $1 million in funding for two projects in the Peace region. 

The grant recipients include the North Pine Farmers Institute (NPFI), approved for $770,000 which is the single largest approval of the Ag Fund thus far, and Optimum Grain Inc., approved for $230,000.

NPFI’s Terminal Bin Storage Expansion project includes the installation of a new grain bin, which will result in enhanced terminal operations, increased delivery period reliability for producers, and augment the number of railcars departing from Fort St. John. These improvements will create long-term, sustainable business opportunities that support the growth of the local agricultural economy and create 12 jobs during the project and one full- time ongoing job post-project.

With the vision of growing the North Peace agricultural community into a dynamic and sustainable region in B.C., NPFI is fostering enduring and eco-friendly channels for the distribution of locally produced grains, oilseeds and pulses through this project.

Optimum Grains Inc., a locally owned and operated agricultural retailer and seed cleaning plant in Buick Creek, B.C., is investing in upgrades and an expansion of their fertilizer facility. This project will streamline the loading and blending of fertilizer for agriculture producers in the Buick Creek, Prespatou and Montney areas.

The fertilizer facility upgrades will include a larger, more reliable blender and an overhead bin system, increasing capacity and efficiency for Optimum Grains which, in turn, enables them to both load and accurately blend all of the ingredients in their fertilizers.

These upgrades will also increase the availability of granular organic and synthetic fertilizers, giving farmers increased access to these products and ensuring that they can maximize and properly utilize their land and crop yields during a time when resources are increasingly scarce.

The BC Hydro Ag Fund supports agricultural production in the Peace region by providing grant funding to those involved in growing and producing. Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) has served as the fund’s administrator since its inception in 2018.

QUOTES:

Wade Cusack, NPFI President 

“The North Pine Farmers Institute, since its beginning in 1930, has been focused on what it takes to help agriculture continue to move forward, and we can proudly say the focus has not changed in 95 years. The funding support from NDIT in the past and in the present is instrumental in fulfilling the mandate of the North Pine Farmers Institute: “To improve conditions of rural life, so that settlement may be permanent and prosperous in the farming communities.” The bin expansion is essential in maintaining rail head access for agriculture producers, ensuring grains, oil seeds and pulses can get to markets around the world.” 

Jared Loewen, Optimum Grains Inc. Owner

“Optimum Grains is grateful for the support that allows us to do an expansion that will strengthen our local agriculture sector.  By investing in northern BC, we’re helping build a resilient rural farming community and supporting long-term, sustainable farming for the region.”

Rick Kantz, BC Hydro PACF Member-At-Large & Board Chair

“The BC Hydro’s Ag Fund is providing essential financial support to those who are growing and producing in the Peace region. The two projects that received funds will be affecting multiple farm families, which uplifts the region’s agricultural industry as a whole.”

Ben Campbell, NDIT CEO

“NDIT has proudly served as the BC Hydro Ag Fund’s administrator for the past six years and it has been incredible to see the impact that the fund has had on the Peace region’s farming community. The funding of these two projects and others like them is strengthening the Peace region’s agricultural industry and uplifting the local economy, which is fantastic to see.”

MEDIA CONTACT:

BC Hydro Media Relations
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 928 6468