Are there grants or programs for new farmers buying land in BC?

There are programs in BC aimed at new and young farmers, including the Land Matching Program that helps new entrants access land through leases and partnerships, and various funding and support programs for new-entrant agricultural businesses. These are not typically direct land-purchase grants, but they can reduce the cost and risk of starting a farm on land you lease or, in some cases, eventually buy.

Eligibility for new-farmer programs usually depends on criteria like the farmer's experience level, the farm's viability, and the program's current funding cycle, and the available support can range from a matched lease and business-planning help to cost-share funding for infrastructure. The programs change over time, so what is available when you read this may differ from what is available when you apply.

I am not a program administrator, so I do not advise on eligibility, but I point new farmers toward the land-matching and new-entrant resources early, because they can shape both the land search and the financing. Read our Buying a Farm and Financing guides for the framework, and verify current program availability with the provincial agricultural body.