The BC Farm Business Advisory Services program (FBAS) has a farm self-assessment component and a consulting component. The self assessment is done by completing the “Taking Stock” workbook and developing a farm action plan. Once a farm action plan is completed producers can proceed with applying to the program after choosing a qualified consultant from the Ministry’s list of eligible Farm Business Advisors. The consulting component provides access to Tier 1- Basic farm financial assessment (100% support up to $1,900 with a $100 upfront fee paid by producers and Tier 2- Specialized business planning (85% support up to $3,000 - no fee) to adopt progressive farm business management practices and strategies.

The Taking Stock workbook guides producers through a self-assessment of their current business management practices on the farm to identify strengths and weaknesses as well as establish priority actions required to address issues in association with both personal and business goals. The process results in the development of a farm action plan which is used to guide the farm consulting services projects and is required to access program funding for consulting services. Having a better sense of their overall situation, goals and priority actions will enable producers to work with advisors to target consulting support to meet the farm’s specific needs and opportunities. The intended result is greater value to the management team in developing business plans and strategies to improve the farm operation and meet business and personal goals.