FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General BCAC FAQ's

What does BCAC do?
BC Agriculture Council is the lead industry advocate for key sector-wide priorities in British Columbia. Our mission is to grow a strong, sustainable and competitive agriculture sector through building industry consensus and advancing public policy. We achieve this by delivering a unified voice for the sector to government through our member farm associations that in turn, represent approximately 96% of provincial farm gate sales in B.C.
What is WALI?
Western Labour Initiative (WALI) is a BCAC subsidiary supports employers with the process of hiring domestic and temporary foreign workers. Learn more here.
How do I get farm status? (how many trees/llamas/shrubs do I need to get farm status?)
Visit BC Assessment for information on obtaining farm status: Click here to visit their website.
What funding options are available to farmers?
Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF) delivers farmer focused programs. You can visit the current programs page here. Other government funding can be accessed by contacting the Ministry of Agriculture or you can look around on their website here.
What tax exemptions do I qualify for as a farmer?
The Provincial Sales Tax (PST) Bulletin explains how PST applies to farmers. Contact the Ministry of Finance with outstanding tax questions. View the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) Bulletin here.
How do I become a BCAC member?
BCAC’s membership is made up of different farm organizations from across the province. To get involved, contact your specific commodity association. See a list of BCAC members.
I’m a new farmer, where do I start?
The Ministry of Agriculture has resources available to help new farmers. Visit their website.
I’m a farmer and would like to raise an issue. Who should I contact?
Please contact your specific commodity association (see list of BCAC members). We work through our members to represent B.C. farmers and ranchers on pan-agriculture issues; issues that impact all agriculture industries across the sector, i.e. water, labour, land use, etc.
I want to partner with BCAC. What opportunities are available?
We offer a variety of opportunities to join forces and support farmers with your help. Everything from offering cost savings to farmers and ranchers through the Farm Classification Card program to direct sponsorship including being featured at our annual BC Agri-Food Industry Gala. Contact us to discuss these options further.

Farmer ID Card FAQ's

What is a Farmer ID Card?
The Farmer ID Card is specifically designed to offer farmers and ranchers exclusive benefits, including a wide variety of discounts and access to invaluable resources and information. The card is the only recognized card to receive PST exemptions at the point-of-sale.
How do I get a Farmer ID Card?
You can apply online here here. Don’t forget to include your current year’s property assessment form, and if needed, a signed lease agreement (only needed if renting the land you farm).
Can I renew my Farmer ID Card by phone?
Yes, however you will need to still provide BCAC with a copy of your current property assessment form. All renewals and new applications are accepted via mail, fax, email or online through our website.
Why do I have to send a copy of my current property assessment form every time I renew my card?
The Farmer ID Card is recognized by the Ministry of Finance to claim eligible PST exemptions. We’re doing our due diligence to ensure that every Cardholder is in fact a current Qualified farmer in B.C.
I lost my Farmer ID Card, can I order a replacement card?
Of course! Let us know if you’ve misplaced your card and we will send you out a replacement card for a small $25 fee.
How can I qualify for the BCAC member rate?
BCAC’s membership is made up of different provincial farm organizations. To qualify for the BCAC member rate you must belong to one of our BCAC member associations. View the list of BCAC members here.
I lease my farmland. Can I still apply for a Farmer ID Card?
Yes. When submitting your Farmer ID Card application, please also include a signed copy of your lease agreement. This gives us a paper trail linking you to the farm class land you farm on.
What is an additional card?
A Qualified farmer is a person who is an owner or holder of farm class property. An additional card holder is a person authorized by the Qualified farmer to make PST exempt purchases on their behalf. They themselves are not the “qualifying farmer”.
How many additional cards can I purchase?
Any number of additional cards can be issued as long as there is at least one Qualified farm card issued.