Province Of B.C. Strengthens Drought Preparedness

Hundreds of B.C. farmers will be better equipped to deal with drought with provincial support to help manage, collect, and store water for crops and livestock.

“Last year, our province faced an unprecedented lack of rain, and this winter we’re seeing snow levels are at remarkable lows, meaning next summer might be even worse,” said Premier David Eby.

“Climate change – and drought in particular – makes it tough to secure water for animals, crops and feed, and it makes food more expensive for everyone. Our government heard the call for help from farmers. This money will help build water storage and buy the equipment farmers tell us they need to keep providing the food we all depend on.”

Current forecasts indicate that British Columbia may experience an active spring-wildfire season due to persistent drought conditions. That is expected to increase if there continues to be limited rain over the next several weeks and months.

As of March 1st, the average provincial snowpack was at 66% of normal, based on the average from 1991 to 2020.

B.C. farmers will be able to access an additional $80 million in funding through the Agricultural Water Infrastructure Program to make irrigation more efficient, or to build infrastructure to improve water availability and storage.

Launched last summer with an initial $20-million fund, the program is funding 108 projects ranging from water storage, such as agricultural dams and dugouts, to improved water-supply systems for irrigation and livestock.

It’s expected the additional funding will benefit hundreds more farmers.

Another $3 million will go toward regional workshops that will provide demonstrations, education, best practices and tools for water and irrigation use specific to drought-affected communities.

To see the full release, visit Government of British Columbia.