Innovative Agri-Tech Demonstrations

The purpose of this project is to encourage the adoption of new technology on B.C. farms by showcasing how this equipment can help improve farm profitability and labour efficiency through on-farm demonstrations and providing B.C. tree fruit and grape growers with the opportunity to trial the equipment on their farm prior to purchase.
The Province will provide up to a maximum of $275,000 to the successful Proponent to deliver this service to tree fruit and wine grape growers between April 2024 and March 2028.  The Proponent must:

• Purchase, maintain and deliver the equipment required for this service, which must include a minimum of one (1) tree fruit harvesting/pruning platform and two (2) air impulse defoliator implements for tree fruits and/or vineyards.
• Deliver between four and six (4-6) on-farm demonstrations per year, organized in collaboration with the Province.
• Provide a minimum of five (5) B.C. growers with the ability to trial each piece of equipment per year (e.g., each piece of equipment is used by at least 5 growers).
• Collect information from growers on the benefits/challenges of using this new equipment, which can be shared with other growers to encourage further adoption and be used by the Ministry to inform future projects/programs.

If required, funds may also be used to purchase tractor(s) to mount the defoliator implements for demonstration and on-farm trials but this must be incorporated into the full price of delivering the service.  At the end of the project in April 2028, the Proponent will own all equipment purchased to deliver this service.  The long-term value of this equipment and benefits to the Proponent should be considered and reflected in the price of delivering this service when submitting a proposal. 
Proposals must include:

1. Documentation from relevant suppliers confirming that all equipment is available for purchase and delivery prior to March 15, 2024. 
2. A list of equipment that the Proponent will purchase through this arrangement, including the make, model, and number of units.
3. A workplan outlining when/how the on-farm demonstrations will be delivered for the 2024 growing season.
4. A high-level strategy on how the Proponent will provide opportunities for tree fruit and wine grape producers to trial the equipment and collect information on the benefits and challenges of this equipment from April 2024 to March 2028.