Separation of excreta

Last updated on July 9, 2026

Close-up of a pile of wheat grains with several wheat heads laid alongside, showing detailed textures and warm brown tones, with large white text reading “Separation of Excreta” overlaid across the center.


With the Agriculture Wildlife Program, excreta contamination caused by designated wildlife can received compensation for costs associated with excreta separation.
 

Application deadline

  • Applications must be received by September 15th
  • Receipts must be received no later than September 15th of the following year

 

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Eligible crops

All commercially grown grains, fine seeds, oilseeds and pulse crops that are covered under Production Insurance are eligible for AWP.  

  • Barley
  • Canola
  • Oats
  • Peas
  • Rye
  • Wheat
 

Designated wildlife 

  Only losses caused by the following designated wildlife, which are not held in captivity will be considered:

  • Bear
  • Bison
  • Cranes
  • Deer
  • Elk
  • Moose
  • Mountain Sheep
  • Waterfowl
 

Canadian Grain Commission standards for allowable excreta

  Barley Oats Rye Wheat Peas Canola
Excreta Allowable (%) 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.02

B.C. follows the Canadian Grain Commission standards for allowable excreta. Producers must store any excreta contaminated crop separately to minimize contamination. 

Compensation overview

Compensation is available for up to 80% of verified separation costs resulting from excreta contamination, based on approved cleaning and separation rates. Budgetary constraints may result in compensation levels or methodology being adjusted.

  • AWP approval is required before excreta is separated from the crop. Contact AWP program administration for approval.
  • Excreta separation costs will be considered up to the minimum required to achieve marketability.
  • Must be a minimum of $1000 damage.
  • A Notice of Loss (PDF, 390KB) must be submitted as soon as excreta contamination is suspected.
  • Compensation payments will be based on current year's production.

Before a payment can be considered, the following must be provided to AWP:

  • An approved note of rejection.
  • Original receipts for cleaning and/or separation services.
  • A Notice of Loss (PDF, 390KB) as soon as excreta is observed.

Learn more about Production Insurance and our suite of Agriculture Risk Management Programs.

Eligibility

Crops must be:
  • Grown on land suitable for crop production and insurable by Production Insurance
  • Damaged by designated wildlife - not held in captivity
  • Damaged before harvest - outdoor storage piles do not qualify
  • Planted, wild and volunteer crops do not qualify

Crops cannot be:
  • Seeded too late to expect a normal yield
  • Harvested and left exposed to wildlife damage due to management practices
  • Used for lure crops or intercept feeding
  • Swathed for grazing
  • Cleaned for reasons other than wildlife excreta

Additionally:
  • There can be no evidence of excreta contamination prior to being harvested
  • Seed for "on-farm" use, seed production or seed sales is not eligible for excreta separation

Notice of Loss

File your Notice of Loss as soon as excreta damage is suspected.

How to file a claim

 

Explore Agriculture Risk Management Programs

Production Insurance

Protect your crops against unpredictable weather events like hail, frost, and flooding  to ensure financial security during growing seasons

AgriStability

Low-cost, flexible program that provides financial support when your income drops below a certain threshold.

Livestock Price Insurance

Safeguard your income from unexpected drops in livestock prices, offering peach of mind during market volatility.

AgriInvest

A savings account that helps you manage small income declines and invest in projects to strengthen your farm's financial resilience.

SCAP | Province of British Columbia | Government of Canada

 

 

 

 

Contact information

Contact your local office for advice and information about crop loss and damage due to wildlife.