New Benefits for Rainwater Storage and Collection! Access to affordable, accessible, and quality supply of water is essential to agriculture, and climate instability is compounding concerns for producers. In 2016, the ACRD asked the Province to support agricultural collection and storage of rainwater via a resolution to the Union of BC Municipalities. Other communities and groups have made similar requests. In April 2019, the Environmental Farm Plan Program opened its Beneficial Management Practices Program. This Program allows producer with Environmental Farm Plans to access funding and support for infrastructure projects that reduce their environmental impact. Water Storage and Collection Incentives now available through the program include: Construction of new agricultural water storage dams (30% funding) Construction of new dugouts for farm water use (50% funding) Installation of roof rainwater harvesting systems for farm water use (30% funding) Applicants must have Farm Tax Status through BC Assessment and have completed an Environmental Farm Plan. Act quickly – applications will only be accepted until funding is fully allocated. The planning advisor for the Alberni-Clayoquot region is Melanie Dyson. She can be reached at melanieadyson@gmail.com or at 250-735-1080 for more information or to apply.