Specialty Market Allocation Consultation and Pilot Project

In 2024, the BCCMB developed a pilot project to address the long-standing inequitable quota allocation among specialty growers. The Board’s Specialty Market Allocation Committee (SMAC) reviewed the proposed pilot project and provided feedback to the Board April 10, 2024. Staff also met with individual processors to explain the project in more detail and hear their concerns. 

The first 48-week allocation of the pilot project was implemented with the A-198 allocation (September 21, 2025) and runs through to the end of A-203 (August 22, 2026).  

The pilot project changed the way in which specialty quota allocation is assigned. The result is that under the new pilot project system of allocation over 48 weeks, some growers will receive more quota than they were previously allotted under the old system, and some necessarily will receive less, but the distribution will be fair. This is the goal of the proposed policy changes. Nevertheless, we recognize that there may be other unintended consequences of any policy change, so the Board plans to carry out the ‘pilot project’ for a period of not less than 18 months and not more than two years. This allows for any necessary amendments before any changes in the General Orders. 

Please see the memos linked below for more detailed information and background on the pilot project and Board decision.  

The most recent memo dated January 23, 2026, includes an updated timeline with processor and grower deadlines for the upcoming second 48-week allocation of the pilot project which will run for the production periods: A-204 to the end of A-209 (August 23, 2026 – July 24, 2027). 

More updates on the Board’s review of the first production period of the pilot project allocation will be advised and an SM Advisory Committee meeting scheduled to discuss the results and other Specialty Market issues as needed in 2026.