Agri-Ecosystem Stewardship Initiative (BC): How to Apply

Agri-Ecosystem Stewardship Initiative (BC): How to Apply

Many BC farmers want to protect soil, water, and wildlife but find it tough to cover the ongoing costs. The Agri-Ecosystem Stewardship Initiative (AESI) helps by paying farmers every year to keep up ecological practices on working farmland. The program is run by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF). AESI uses a Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) model. This means farmers are paid for maintaining good practices, not just for starting a project.

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What Is the Agri-Ecosystem Stewardship Initiative (AESI)?

The Agri-Ecosystem Stewardship Initiative (BC) supports farmers and ranchers who protect and restore natural ecosystem services on their land. The program was previously called Farmland Advantage (FLA) and became AESI in April 2023.

AESI is different from regular grants. Instead of a one-time payment, it offers ongoing annual compensation for keeping up approved stewardship practices.

Program basics:

• Program name: Agri-Ecosystem Stewardship Initiative (AESI)
• Administrator: Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF)
• Status: Open
• Location: British Columbia
• Funding type: Non-repayable annual payments (PES model)
• Focus: Ecological restoration and stewardship on farmland

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Who Can Apply and What Does AESI Fund?

Who Is Eligible?

You may qualify if you:

• Are a farmer or rancher in British Columbia
• Own the land or have written permission to make land-use decisions
• Are ready to sign a Land Use Agreement with IAF
• Can keep up Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) every year
• Agree to annual checks of your stewardship work

You are not eligible if you:

• Do not farm or ranch actively
• Lack the right to enter land-use agreements
• Cannot promise to maintain BMPs for the long term

What Practices Does AESI Support?

AESI focuses on practices that help the environment and keep the land in farm use. Supported activities include:

• Restoring and protecting streams and riverbanks
• Removing invasive species
• Improving wetlands and wildlife habitats
• Better grazing and pasture management
• Soil and water conservation work

Farmers are paid for keeping up these activities, not just for starting them.

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How Much Funding Is Available and How Do You Apply?

How Much Funding Can You Receive?

AESI does not have a set grant amount.

• Farmers get annual payments
• The amount depends on:
  • The type of ecosystem service provided
  • The area managed
  • Keeping up with BMPs each year
• Funding can change year to year

As long as you meet your stewardship promises, funding can continue.

How to Apply for AESI

AESI looks at your commitment, not at competing with other farmers.

Steps to apply:

1. Check AESI requirements
   Make sure your land and your practices fit AESI goals.

2. Prove land authority
   Gather proof you own the land or have permission to make decisions.

3. Apply to IAF
   Your application should describe your land, planned BMPs, and goals.

4. Sign a Land Use Agreement
   If approved, you sign an agreement that lays out your duties and how you’ll be checked.

5. Carry out and maintain BMPs
   You must pass yearly checks to keep getting payments.

GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly find agriculture and stewardship programs that fit your farm and province.

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Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t treat AESI as a one-time grant.
  You need to keep up your stewardship work to keep getting paid.
• Have clear land authority.
  Not having ownership or permission is a common reason for rejection.
• Be ready for annual checks.
  You must show you are keeping up with BMPs each year.
• Don’t stop BMPs early.
  Payments may stop if you do not maintain your stewardship work.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Agri-Ecosystem Stewardship Initiative a loan?
No. AESI gives non-repayable annual payments using a Payment for Ecosystem Services model.

Q: Do I need to own the land to apply?
Not always. You can apply if you own the land or have written authority to enter a land-use agreement.

Q: What happens if I stop maintaining the BMPs?
Funding may be reduced or cancelled after the annual check if you do not keep up your stewardship work.

Q: Is AESI funding taxable?
In Canada, AESI payments are usually treated as farm income. Tax rules may vary, so check with a Canadian accountant for your situation.

Q: What types of projects are most likely to be approved?
Projects with clear, measurable ecosystem benefits and strong long-term plans tend to be approved more often.

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GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and stewardship programs across Canada. Use it to see which ones fit your farm’s location, practices, and goals.

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Next Steps

The Agri-Ecosystem Stewardship Initiative (BC) is a good choice if you already protect natural areas on your farm or plan to do so for years to come. Before you apply, make sure you have the right land authority and can keep up with long-term stewardship.

For more planning, see:

• How to Combine Provincial Agriculture Grants with Federal Funding
• Is Your Agriculture or Agri-Food Project a Strategic Priority?
• Agriculture and Pollination Grants: Are Beekeeping Projects Eligible in BC and PEI?

GrantHub can help you compare AESI with other agriculture and environmental funding options in British Columbia.