BCIDF Application Package

The Beef Cattle Industry Development Fund is NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS.

Background: The Beef Cattle Industry Development Fund (BCID Fund) is financed out of the revenues generated by a Trust Fund established by the Province in 1994, consisting of a sum of $9.3 million. The terms of the Trust Fund specify that there will be no encroachment on the capital, and that this Trust Fund will be available to finance the BCID Funds for a period of 20 years. In 2014, the Cattle Industry Development Council was successful in renegotiating the terms of the trust and had it extended for sixty years - to expire in 2075. It should be noted that only when non-government funds are contributed toward projects that fit the priorities of the BCID Fund, will matching funds be triggered from the Trust for that purpose.

Mission statement "To manage the Beef Cattle Industry Development Fund in a way that will effectively enhance the profitability, viability, sustainability of the beef cattle industry in British Columbia for the short, medium and long term."

Purpose The purpose of the Beef Cattle Industry Development Fund (BCID Fund) is to create and maintain an environment that will provide for long-term productivity, efficiency, viability, sustainability and profitability in the beef cattle industry in British Columbia, through an efficient market place, that allows for optimum utilization of the land and water resources of the province in an environmentally sustainable manner and makes provision for the transfer and use of available technology.

Objectives

1. Improve the viability, profitability, and sustainability of the British Columbia beef cattle industry.
   
2. Improve the British Columbia beef cattle industry's responsiveness to changing needs in the marketplace and environment.
   
3. Provide efficient quality services to the British Columbia beef cattle industry.
   
4. Foster co-operation within the British Columbia beef cattle industry to achieve the purpose of the BCID fund; and
   
5. Address any other important matters affecting the British Columbia beef cattle industry as they relate to the purpose of the BCID Fund.

Application Process

The Beef Cattle Industry Development Fund is accepting applications for funding assistance for projects that benefit the beef industry.  Approved applicants are able to trigger matching funds for their projects.

Applications may be submitted at any time to the Council and will be following the deadlines dates.  Applicants for research projects may choose to submit a letter-of-intent for review in advance of a formal complete application.

Application deadlines: April 30 and October 31 each year.

Who Can Apply?

• individuals and partnerships;
• commercial and non-profit organizations;
• industry associations;
• agencies, boards and councils; and
• Universities, municipal governments, and government research and/or development agencies.

Funding Details

The amount of funding for approved projects would depend on the type of project, and the amount of eligible costs as outlined below:

Eligible Costs: Contracted goods and services; materials and supplies (not capital costs); incremental labour (wages plus benefits etc.) and related costs such as travel, training and skill development; rent or lease of facilities and equipment; and administrative costs.

Ineligible Costs: Normal costs of establishing and operating a commercial operation; capital costs (buildings and equipment); and costs incurred before the project was approved and funding for ongoing activities are not eligible for funding, unless approved by CIDC.

Funding and Time Limits: CIDC may impose funding limits.  No projects should be planned for more than three or four years’ duration

Cash Flow: For approved projects, a funding agreement will be signed. It will specify the cash flow arrangements – projects are generally advanced the bulk of the funds require, with a hold-back retained by the fund until the final report of the project is submitted and accepted by Council.

Applications Review and Assessment Process

1. Application is received
2. Application is recorded, assigned an identification number, and reviewed for completeness. Additional information is requested for incomplete applications.
3. Application is reviewed for its merit by an outside assessor
4. Applications are assessed, considering the following:

Does the project fit within the current priorities and project a benefit to the beef industry?
Is the project a duplication of projects, funding or work done elsewhere?
Is there a more suitable funding program elsewhere for which the project is eligible?
Is the applicant qualified to take the project to completion?
Other other pertinent issues considered important to the application

5.  Council reviews the applications and assessment report at the following council meeting, and makes      decisions on applications.

Applicants are advised of council's decision regarding their application. Funding agreements are signed with the successful applicants. Agreement includes terms to outline timing of reports and funding conditions, monitoring and evaluation procedures.

Project Monitoring

There are two aspects to monitoring of approved projects:

1. Administration - Tracking and recording of all reports, expenses and advances made for each project, including reminders to applicants if required reports or statements are not received in accordance with agreed upon timelines in the contract. This information would be provided to CIDC members in advance of council meetings.
2. Site Visits - timely correspondence or visits with project applicants are carried out to monitor progress of the projects, and to provide assistance or decisions, should the project not be progressing as expected.  Visitation may also include determination of how the project results achieved may be communicated with the beef industry.