B.C. government announces $2.5M in grants toward farmers in event of bad weather conditions

KAMLOOPS — As the weather fluctuates between hot and cold in the B.C. Interior, the provincial government is providing farmers 2.5 million dollars worth of grants towards upgrading and protecting their equipment in the event of a wildfire, flood or extreme heat situation.

The funding is meant to help farmers long-term.

“It’s really about being prepared for whatever happens,” General Manager for the B.C. Cattlemen Association Kevin Boon told CFJC Today. “That goes for entire communities for it as well because when especially a fire or flood hits, it isn’t centralized on one or two places. It’s a complete community and it’s important to protect and be prepared as a community for that.”

Each of the three types of grants is worth $35,000. Boon says it’s what can be accomplished with the money that will be valuable.

“$35,000 invested before a disaster can save you millions after the disaster. If you look after those pennies, the dollars will look after themselves so investing that wisely can be a major help to a lot of these guys.”

Farmers will have until June 14 to apply for the provincial grants.