2025 Cover Crop Agreement

Date

Between the Cooperator:

First NameLast Name

Position or Job Title within Farm

And

THE DELTA FARMLAND AND WILDLIFE TRUST, a non-profit, community-based, charitable society whose mission is to promote the preservation of farmland and associated wildlife habitat in the Fraser River delta through sustainable farming and land stewardship (referred to hereafter as "DFWT").

TO BE ELIGABLE FOR THIS PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS MUST:

be a registered landowner on the current Certificate of Title or Deed to the land: or
be entitled to become the registered landowner on Certificate of Title or Deed to the land under a contract, court order or any other legal instrument; or
have a valid land rental agreement to manage land for term of the Stewardship Agreement, and acknowledgement from the registered Landowner; or
be Indigenous (First Nation, Métis Nation, Inuit): a First Nation, Métis Nation or Inuit single person or a First Nation, Métis Nation or Inuit organization managing agricultural land. For example, be a First Nations Peoples in lawful possession of farmland under subsections 20(1), 20(2), or 20(3) of the Indian Act, or be a First Nations Band meeting these preceding conditions with an interest in farmland within the meaning of the Indian Act; and
have completed an agri-environmental risk assessment such as Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) or demonstrate working towards completing an agri-environmental risk assessment - prior to receiving final stewardship payments.

Based on the criteria above, I am eligible to participate in this program.*

Yes, I am eligible.No, I am not eligible.

*Please note, fields on crown land are not eligible outside of Delta and Richmond.

How much land do you own/farm within Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley?
Own Farmacres
Non-Owned Farm acres

Please provide a valid business number (GST/HST). *

Have you completed an agri-environmental risk assessment such as an Environmental Farm Plan?*

Yes, I have a valid EFP (a statement of completion from within the past 5 years) from the Canada-BC EFP ProgramNo, I do not have an EFP, but I am willing to complete and submit an alternate agri-environmental risk assessment, and I consent to participating in a one-hour follow-up session with the Ministry of Agriculture, if requested .No, I do not have an EFP, and I am not willing to complete an alternate agri-environmental risk assessment. I understand this may mean I am not eligible for cost-share.

If yes, please provide the statement of completion code here:

If yes, when?

Date

Name of Business or Farm:

PID:

Farm Address:

Landowner Name:

Lessee Name (if applicable):

Date of Assessment:

Date

Agri-environmental Risk: Nutrient Management – Nitrogen

Is your farm located in a vulnerable aquifer recharge area?

Status:

YesNoUnsure

Risk: Leaching of excess nitrogen into groundwater may contaminate drinking water causing illness. Excess nitrogen loss to waterways can also contribute to harmful algal blooms.

Requirements/Recommendations:

The Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management requires that a post-harvest nitrate test (PHNT) be completed for each field once every 3 years and annually if PHNT result is greater than 100 kg N/ha.

A nutrient management plan is required for fields that are:

located in vulnerable aquifer recharge areas
greater than 5 ha
PHNT results greater than 100 kg N/ha

Planting cover crops and incorporating set-asides can enhance nutrient cycling by preventing nutrients such as nitrogen from leaching out of the soil profile. Including legumes in a cover crop mix or set-aside can also contribute to biological nitrogen fixation resulting in reductions in fertilizer requirements.

DFWT BMPs that can mitigate risk:

Agri-environmental Risk: Nutrient Management - Phosphorus

Is your farm located in a phosphorus-affected area?

Status

YesNoUnsure

Risk: Runoff of excess phosphorus may cause algal blooms in surface water sources that are toxic to livestock, lethal to aquatic life and unsuitable for recreational activities.

Requirements/Recommendations:

The Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management requires that a phosphorus test be completed for each field once every 3 years and annually if phosphorus test result is greater than 200 ppm.

A nutrient management plan is required for fields that are:

located in vulnerable aquifer recharge areas
greater than 5 ha
phosphorus test results greater than 200 ppm

Planting cover crops and set-asides can decrease phosphorus loss by reducing soil erosion and runoff. Establishing hedgerows and field margins adjacent to surface water sources can also assist with preventing soils from entering waterways.

DFWT BMPs that can mitigate risk:

Agri-environmental Risk: Nutrient Management

All farms located in the Lower Mainland are in a high precipitation area

Risk: Farms located in high precipitation areas are at greater risk of nutrient leaching into local waterways/ aquifers and soil erosion.

Requirements/Recommendations:

Must not apply nutrient sources to land between November 1 and February 1 of the next year. The BC Application Risk Management Tool is available to allow producers to quickly determine the risk of manure or nutrient loss after a field application.

Planting cover crops and incorporating multi-year set-asides into annual crop rotations improves year-round soil cover, which protects soils from winter precipitation. This can contribute to reduced soil erosion and surface compaction, and a decrease in nutrient loss.

DFWT BMPs that can mitigate risk:

Agri-environmental Risk: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG)

Do you use green manure (e.g. cover crops) to add nitrogen to the soil as a supplement to nitrogen fertilizer?

Status

YesNoUnsure

Risk: GHG emissions from nitrous oxide have increased by 43% since 1981 in Canada primarily due to an increase in the application of nitrogen fertilizer.

Requirements/Recommendations:

Planting cover crops and set-asides that include nitrogen-fixing legume species can reduce the total requirement of additional nitrogen fertilizer. Winter cover crops and set-asides can also contribute to reducing nutrient losses through soil erosion and leaching over the winter season.

DFWT BMPs that can mitigate risk:

Agri-environmental Risk: Soil Health/ Soil Organic Matter/ Carbon sequestration

Do you regularly test your soils to monitor for changes in soil organic matter over time?

Status

YesNoUnsure

Risk: Soil organic matter is essential for water infiltration and retention, soil aeration, nutrient cycling and suppression of diseases and pests.

Agricultural fields across the Lower Mainland have lost significant amounts of soil organic matter over the past three decades.

Requirements/Recommendations:

Planting cover crops that protect soils over the winter months, incorporating multi-year set-asides into annual crop rotations and planting hedgerows can help with increasing soil organic matter and sequestering carbon.

A recent study conducted by the University of British Columbia found that agricultural fields in Delta, BC that had consistently been planted with cover crops and set-asides over a 25-year period had soil organic carbon levels that were 63% higher than fields that had not implemented either practice.

DFWT BMPs that can mitigate risk:

Agri-environmental Risk: Wildlife Habitat / Biodiversity

Do you have any areas of semi-natural habitat on your farm (e.g. hedgerows, old-field, etc.)? What types of habitats and where?

NoUnsureYes, please describe

Risks: The Lower Mainland is one of BC’s top five biodiversity hot spots.

The Fraser River Estuary (incl. Delta and Richmond) is a significantly important area for migratory birds.

Loss of habitat is a key driver of biodiversity loss.

Requirements/Recommendations:

Management plans for many species at risk in the Lower Mainland recommend the provision of habitat that includes floral resources for pollinators and old-field habitat for many species of birds. Planning for Biodiversity is a Ministry of Agriculture and Food resource to help producers increase their understanding of biodiversity and what it means for their operations.

The hedgerow, field margin, and blueberry rest programs can contribute to providing important habitat and food resources for pollinators. The hedgerow and set-aside program can provide important habitat for many birds that are at-risk in the region.

DFWT BMPs that can mitigate risk:

END OF AGRI-ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT

If not, please indicate that you are willing to work towards completing an agri-environmental risk assessment.

Yes, I am willing to work towards a risk assessment.No, I am not willing to work towards a risk assessment. I understand this may mean I am not eligible for cost-share.

What do you farm? (primary commodity):

Number of acres of cover crops you plan to enroll in the DFWT Cover Crop program this year:*

Species of cover crop you plan on seeding:*

Seeding date: Number of acres to be seeded before September 1st*

Seeding date: Number of acres to be seeded after September 1st*

Do you plan on harvesting some or all of your cover crops for feed in the spring?*

YesNo

If yes, please indicate how many acres will be harvested.

Estimated number of acres of cover crops planned to be planted in 2026:

Estimated number of acres of cover crops planned to be planted in 2027:

DFWT shares some of the field data collected during our monitoring programs with funders. Please indicate below if you give permission to include the geographical location of your field with the associated data (typically this would be results from soil sampling). If you do not give consent, the field sampling data will be shared without being connected to a specific geographical location.

Do you consent to DFWT sharing coordinates from your sampling data with funding agencies:

Yes, I consent.No, I do not consent.

Do you agree not to receive reimbursement or cost-share funds for the cover crop fields enrolled in the DFWT Cover Crop Program from any other program or agreement, including the Agriculture Wildlife Program.*

YesNo

I agree to the terms and conditions of the program as stated below and in the program brochure.

Cooperator's Signature

Company Name:

Business Mailing Address:

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Email Address:

example@example.com

Phone Number:

Cellphone Number:

WHEREAS: The Cooperator and DFWT have agreed to cost share the establishment of summer or fall seeded cover crops for the purposes of soil conservation and wildlife habitat enhancement in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, in the Province of British Columbia.

THE COOPERATOR WILL:

plant a cover crop at a seeding rate appropriate to the crop type by an appropriate planting date (see Cover Crop Program brochure) within the fields identified on Schedule A of this agreement.
ensure that plow down of the cover crop does not occur before March 31, 2026, unless DFWT is advised of and agrees to an earlier plow down date.
maintain and manage the field as a cover crop from the planting date to March 31st, 2026.
plant cover crops for a three-year period.
allow DFWT to monitor fields for wildlife use, vegetation growth and/or soil quality from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
agree not to receive reimbursement or exchange for rent payment for the cover crop from any other program or agreement.
indemnify and save harmless DFWT from and against any and all actions, suits, claims, demands, damages or losses, howsoever arising as a result of the establishment and operation of the Winter Cover Crop Program.

THE DELTA FARMLAND & WILDLIFE TRUST WILL:

share the cost of establishing cover crops within Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, BC, by paying a per acre rate for cover crops planted under the guidelines of the DFWT Cover Crop Program. Cost-share rates and planting guidelines can be found in the Cover Crop Program Brochure, and cooperators should thoroughly review the cost-share rates for 2025.
make payment in December 2025, after all project details have been received with completed information and signatures from the Cooperator, and after Field Technicians have had the opportunity to verify all the acreage and waterfowl pressure.

Respondent Consent
The Province of British Columbia supports inclusive and increased representation of underrepresented groups. By providing the information below, you are helping to improve the delivery of programming. At this time, the questions focus on three identity groups (Indigenous, women, and youth), and do not cover all potential groups who are underrepresented in the agriculture sector. We plan to expand the focus to other underrepresented groups in future.

Your personal information is collected under section 26(c) and 26(e) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purposes of evaluating applications and for the planning and evaluating of the S-CAP Ministry Program. The demographic information you provide is voluntary and will not be used to assess your eligibility for this program. Each individual understands the purposes of the collection, use, and disclosure of their demographic personal information. The information you provide will be shared with the federal government to fulfill the provincial obligations under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (S-CAP) bilateral agreement. It may be combined with other survey or administrative data sources and used for statistical, research and evaluation purposes. If any information is published, your responses will be combined with the responses of others so that you cannot be identified. If you have any questions about the collection of your information, please contact the Director of Sector Insights and Corporate Initiatives at alstats@gov.bc.ca.

Do you agree to respond to questions on the demographics of the business or organization? *

Is the respondent a business owner of either a sole proprietorship or a general partnership? If you are filling out this information on behalf of a business owner or owners of a sole proprietorship or general partnership, please answer 'yes' and seek the response to the following demographic questions from the business owners.

Does the applicant's organization have a governing board (for example, a Board of Directors)?

Is the respondent’s organization a post-secondary institution, local government, provincial government, or Indigenous governing body (for example, a band or tribal council, government of a self-governing First Nation or Métis Nation Chartered Community)?

Board Member Demographics

How many members does the organization’s governing body have?

Please indicate the number of board members who identify with each of the following groups:

Indigenous
Indigeneity in Canada refers to people who are: First Nations (North American Indian), Métis or Inuk (Inuit), and/or Registered or Treaty Indians (that is, registered under the Indian Act of Canada), and/or those who have membership in a First Nation or Indian band.

Do not select these options if the owner(s) identify as Indigenous but not Indigenous to Canada (for example, Ainu, Sámi, or Māori).

	Number of members
First Nations (including status and non-status)
Inuk (Inuit)
Métis
Indigenous - not specified
None of the above (not indigenous to Canada)
Unable to answer/identify

Board member Indigeneity Category TOTAL (must equal the total number of members)

Board Member Gender: Gender refers to an individual’s personal and social identity as a man, woman or non-binary person.

	Number of members
Women+
Men+
Other
Unable to answer/identify

Board Member Gender Category TOTAL (must equal total number of members)

Board Member Age

	Number of members
Over 40
Youth (40 or under)
Unable to answer/identify

Board Member Age Category TOTAL (must equal total number of members)

Indicate any of the following groups who are specifically targeted beneficiaries of the project's activities. Select all that apply.

Shareholder Demographics
Please indicate the proportion (% of shares) of the business that is owned by people who identify with each of the following groups.

Indigenous
Indigeneity in Canada refers to people who are: First Nations (North American Indian), Métis or Inuk (Inuit), and/or Registered or Treaty Indians (that is, registered under the Indian Act of Canada), and/or those who have membership in a First Nation or Indian band.

Do not select these options if the owner(s) identify as Indigenous but not Indigenous to Canada (for example, Ainu, Sámi, or Māori).

	Percentage Of Shares (%)
First Nations (including status and non-status)
Inuk (Inuit)
Métis
Indigenous - not specified
None of the above (not indigenous to Canada)
Unable to answer/identify

Shareholder Indigeneity Category TOTAL (must equal 100%)

Shareholder Gender: Gender refers to an individual’s personal and social identity as a man, woman or non-binary person.

	Percentage Of Shares (%)
Women+
Men+
Other
Unable to answer/identify

Shareholder Gender Category TOTAL (must equal 100%)

Shareholder Age

	Percentage Of Shares (%)
Over 40
Youth (40 or under)
Unable to answer/identify

Shareholder Age Category TOTAL (must equal 100%)

What proportion (% of shares) of this business is owned by new entrants into agriculture? New entrants are those who have less than 5 years of agricultural management experience.

Enter Percentage (%) or Zero (0)

If you wish to share any comments on the demographics of the business owners, please provide them here. (Optional)

Please confirm that all information provided here is correct, as you will not be able to change your answers once submitted.

Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust

Farm/Land Disclosure

Agri-environmental Risk Assessment

Cover Crop Information

Contact Information

Terms and Conditions

Demographics Survey