BC Dairy Association funds research and education projects through the Dairy Industry Research and Education Fund, administered at the committee level. All requests for support from the dairy industry are sent to the Dairy Industry Research and Education Committee (DIREC) for review and decision.

Statement of Purpose:

“To invest in education, research and development projects that have a direct benefit to dairy farmers in British Columbia, and to ensure the results are communicated to the farm level.”

Mandate:

1. To act as an education and research advisory and support working group for the dairy producers of BC.
2. To identify, encourage and assist in the planning, delivery and evaluation of educational and research opportunities beneficial to the BC dairy industry.
3. To facilitate and support educational events and demonstrations beneficial to the BC dairy industry.
4. To communicate results and facilitate the transfer of knowledge to the farm level.

Qualifying Criteria:

1. Clearly demonstrate that the project’s objective(s) and anticipated results will address an identified need in the BC dairy industry.
2. The applicant has completed all questions and followed the stated procedure for submitting an application to DIREC.
3. All other sources of funding and in-kind contributions must be clearly noted with supporting documentation with respect to funding source, amounts, and conditions attached to providing funding.
4. Provide a detailed work plan that establishes dates and times for stated deliverables, as well as a clear communication plan on how results will be shared with the BC dairy industry.
5. Eligible expenses include: contracted goods and services, materials and supplies, incremental labour and related costs such as travel, rent or lease of facilities and equipment. No more than 10% of funding can be allocated for administration. 
6. Ineligible expenses include:  normal costs to establish and operate a commercial or not-for-profit operation, capital costs (building and equipment) that provide a lasting benefit to an individual or group, and costs incurred before the project has been approved.
7. Approved projects must benefit dairy producers of BC.

*Note: DIREC reserves the right to limit, adjust or deny funding.

How to Apply:

Please download the application form from this page and follow the instructions as specified in the form. Applications will be reviewed semi-annually in the month following the deadline dates of March 31 and September 30.