BC Hydro Agricultural Fund Hits Milestone with Largest Intake to Date

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT, B.C.  The Board of Directors for the BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund (Ag Fund) has approved a record number of projects in its first 2026 application intake, marking the strongest single intake through regular funding streams since the program began in 2019. In total, 20 projects were approved for $531,315 in funding. The next application intake will open July 2, 2026, and close August 28, 2026.

Highlights from this intake include the following:

$46,940.00 for Franklin & Co. Flower Farm – Franklin & Co. Flower Farm will be undertaking an infrastructure upgrade to expand cut-flower production capacity and improve climate resilience in Northern B.C. Due to the Peace Region’s short growing season combined with unpredictable weather patterns, the flower farm will be installing hoophouses, a heated greenhouse and upgraded irrigation and on-site water storage systems to reduce climate-related challenges, expand its growing season and create opportunity for on-farm zinnia breeding activities and applied trials.

$5,000.00 for Peace Country Stock Dog Association – The Peace Country Stock Dog Association will deliver four practice sessions and one stock dog clinic in Winter 2026/2027, providing valuable training opportunities for stock dogs and their handlers across the region. The Association aims to promote the use of stock dogs as an effective tool for managing livestock while supporting skill development among handlers. These sessions and the clinic will help support the continued use of stock dogs in agriculture operations throughout the Peace Region. Grant funding for the sessions and clinic are through the Ag Fund’s Events and Educational Initiatives funding stream and will help organizers reduce costs to attendees.

$20,190.00 for Whiskey Creek Ranch Ltd. – The This Ain’t No Yolk: Boosting Efficiency, Marketable Eggs, and Reclaiming Farmer Time project will equip the farm with a commercial-grade egg washer and dedicated housing unit to improve productivity and reliability. The need for new equipment was realized after a previous Ag Fund project which allowed the company to increase egg volumes by expanding to 399 laying hens. By reducing egg washing time by approximately 93%, the project will streamline operations, improve efficiency, and support consistent, high-quality output. The upgraded infrastructure will also enhance food safety and biosecurity practices, lower labour requirements and enable greater access to markets for certified organic eggs produced in the region.

The $20 million Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund was established by BC Hydro as part of the Site C project to support sustainable agriculture and agrifood economic activity in the Peace Region. Through a range of funding programs, the fund supports innovation, strengthens infrastructure and creates long-term opportunities for local producers. Since its inception, nearly $5.5 million has been invested across 153 agriculture-related projects in the Peace Region, including $2 million delivered through the Impacts and Opportunities Initiative.

Quotes

Rick Kantz, Chair, Ag Fund
“This record-setting intake reflects both the strength of the agricultural sector in the Peace Region and the growing demand for targeted investments that support producers. From infrastructure upgrades to skills development, these projects are helping build to resilience, improve productivity and create long-term opportunities for agriculture across the region. It was an energetic and inspired meeting when we approved all of these projects and we look forward to seeing their implementation.”

Cory & Peter Franklin, Owners and Founders, Franklin & Co. Flower Farm
“We’re truly grateful to be selected for this funding. Farming in the Peace requires resilience and creativity, and this support gives us the ability to extend our growing season and grow more consistently. It’s an exciting step forward, not just for our farm, but for local flowers in our region.”

Talon Gauthier, Secretary, Peace Country Stock Dog Association
“We’re really looking forward to bringing people together through these sessions and the clinic. There’s a strong interest in building skills and sharing knowledge, and this support allows us to create opportunities for handlers to learn, connect, and strengthen the role of stock dogs in local agriculture.”

Gaston & Michelle Schaeffer, Owners, Whiskey Creek Ranch Ltd.
“Our project, This Ain’t No Yolk: Boosting Efficiency, Marketable Eggs, and Reclaiming Farmer Time, will be a game changer for our operation and reflects the challenges many producers face: balancing the demands of growth while maintaining a sustainable work-life balance. This project is no small crack at the problem. Reducing the time spent washing eggs through the adoption of state-of-the-art technology will make a meaningful difference across our operation while helping us maintain high standards for food safety and quality as we continue to grow.”