Emergency management for agriculture

On this page:

• Prevention and mitigation
• Preparedness planning for agriculture
• Your role in an emergency response
• Recovering from a disaster

The ministry has a legislative requirement to have plans and procedures in place in the event of an emergency or disaster. The ministry is the designated lead provincial agency for responding to animal diseases, plant diseases and pest infestations.

For all other types of hazards that may impact the agricultural sector, including natural disasters, the ministry provides a supporting role in responding to these emergencies.

The ministry follows the B.C. Emergency Management System, which includes the four phases of emergency management:

1. Prevention/ mitigation
2. Preparedness
3. Response
4. Recovery

Prevention and mitigation

Programs and funding to support on-farm environmental sustainability are available through the ministry. These programs support farmers from planning to implementation to address climate change impacts and contribute to a cleaner environment.

The B.C. Climate Change Adaptation Program offers resources, webinars, and tools to help producers mitigate regional challenges caused by climate change such as increased wildfire risk, wetter conditions, pest variability, and erosion management.

Preparedness planning for agriculture

Agricultural producers, like all business managers, need to have a comprehensive strategy to manage the risks they face.

• Emergency preparedness for producers

B.C.’s agricultural industry faces many natural hazards. Learn about what actions you can take to prepare your operations for different types of emergencies.

• Animal disease
• Freshet and flood
• Livestock relocation
• Wildfire

Business insurance and risk management

The farm manager is responsible for understanding the risks to which they are exposed. Emergencies and disasters can result in substantial material losses.

Learn about the programs that can help protect agricultural producers against the financial impact of a disaster:

• Insurance and income protection for agricultural producers
• Learn more about the B.C Agri-Business Planning Program, which offers support for producers and processors in specialized business planning and disaster recovery planning

Your role in an emergency response

Emergency management is a shared responsibility across all levels of government, who need to have plans in place for responding to emergencies that affect their areas of jurisdiction.

Learn more about agricultural producers' and governments' roles during an emergency.

Be aware of active natural hazards in B.C.

If there is an active large-scale natural hazard event in B.C., for example, wildfires and floods, response and recovery resources are grouped on a single resources webpage. Keeping information in one place makes it easier for B.C. producers and industry to access key contacts and resources.

Check if there are any active emergencies that might impact you, your animals, and farm.

Recovering from a disaster

Information about recovery programs and initiatives available to support operations affected by a recent emergency event are available. These programs aid in offsetting the extraordinary costs required to return to production:

• 2021 flood recovery program for food security
• 2021 wildfire and drought recovery initiative
• B.C. farm worker safe isolation program
• Disaster financial assistance (EMCR)

Recovery resources

Emergencies can have a profound effect on our lives and wellbeing. Owning a farm business in general can be very stressful. If you are struggling with the impact of these stresses, you are not alone. Support is available to help you move forward after this traumatic event.

• Health and wellness preparedness (AgriServiceBC). A collection of provincial and national health and mental wellness resources available to farmers and their families. 
• Flooding: re-entry and restart resources (AgSafe) Assists employers with guidance on energy source management, handling deceased animals, manure storage and handling, site access, and more.
• Recovery guidance (EMCR) Provides steps to recovery and support resources to help you restore order.