A number of grant opportunities are available for agricultural endeavours:
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Program (SCAP)
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership in Alberta | Alberta.ca
SCAP is a federal-provincial partnership that delivers grant programs that generate sustainable economic growth in the agricultural and agri-food sectors. This is a five-year project started in 2023. To be eligible, applicants must generate at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities and Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) may be required.
Programs offered under SCAP:
- Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP)- Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program | Alberta.ca
- The goal of the program is to accelerate the adoption of beneficial management practices (BMPs) that maximize provision of Ecological Goods & Services (EG&S), particularly increased carbon sequestration and enhanced climate resilience to increase the environmental resiliency of agricultural landscapes. Projects related to pasture management, cropland conversion, tree establishment and wetlands may be eligible. Funding is 3 year per-acre Ecological Goods and Services payments with up to $150,000 for primary producers and up to $300,000 for grazing reserve associations, operators of community pasture and indigenous applicants. A valid environmental plan is required.
- Farm Technology Program-Canadian Agricultural Partnership Farm Technology program | Alberta.ca
- The Farm Technology Program has two streams that primary producers with a current Environmental Farm Plan can apply to.
- The Farm technology stream supports the adoption of innovative technology that minimizes agricultural waste and optimizes farm efficiency. Up to $48,000 to cover 50% of eligible expenses.
- The Farm Security Program supports producers in their efforts to secure business assets by encouraging adoption of best management practices in farm security. Up to $2000 to cover 50% of eligible expenses.
- On-Farm Value Added-On-Farm Value-Added Program | Alberta.ca
- The goal of this program is to support primary producers in adding value to their agricultural products to grow sales, expand production capacity, explore market opportunities and create jobs in Alberta. There must be adding value past harvest or slaughter of the agricultural product to be eligible. Processing capacity expansion, food safety improvement, new product and process development, market development and access are eligible activities.
- Water Program-Water Program | Alberta.ca
- This program supports agricultural water management by helping primary producers adopt agriculture water better management practices and priority actions. This supports better management of risks to water quality and supplies, adaptation to climate variability and the efficient use of water resources. There are two stream, On-Farm Irrigation and On-Farm Water Supply, that applicants can apply to one or both. For dugouts, dams and spring developments under the On-Farm Water Supply Stream, applicants must speak to an Agriculture and Irrigation Water Specialist and receive an approved Construction Sheet prior to planning and construction. This will confirm the proposed project meets legislative and program requirements. Call 310-FARM to speak to an Agriculture and Irrigation Water Specialist.
On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)
The OFCAF program is delivered by Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR). This program provides financial support to producers to accelerate their adoption and implementation of on-farm Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) to lower Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, support production efficiency, sustainability and resiliency on their farm operations. There are three active categories: improved nitrogen management, enhanced soil health with cover crops and strengthened rotational grazing systems. There is a maximum of 85% reimbursement of eligible expenditure up to $75,000. You must work with a Professional Agrologist or Certified Crop Advisor to develop a BMP action plan.
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUCs)
DUCs work with farmers across Canada, offering specialized resources for different regions based on conservation needs and landowner priorities. There are forage programs, wetland restoration, conservation easements and winter wheat extension available. For more information, visit their website.