A new cost-share program has been launched for Alberta farmers, aimed at efficient use of agricultural inputs.
According to an Aug. 19 release from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, the On-Farm Efficiency Program (OFEP) will fund farmers for projects that optimize the use of farm inputs such as fertilizer, pesticides and energy. “When inputs reach their targets with precision, it is a win-win for producers and the environment: producers save money, fewer inputs are applied off-target, and fewer emissions are released to the atmosphere,” the province said.
The program comes through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (S-CAP) and combines remnants of the expired Farm Technology and Efficient Grain Handling programs. New content has been added in response to industry feedback collected in the fall of 2023.
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Four funding streams have been laid out: smart farm technology, energy efficiency, farm security and efficient grain handling. Applicants may apply to any or all streams.
The OFEP opened for applications Aug. 14, with funding retroactive to April 1, 2023. Eligible expenses are funded at a cost-share rate of 50 per cent. The funding maximum per applicant is $150,000 over the duration of the program (2023 to 2028). The maximum funding per stream is $100,000 for efficient grain handling, $50,000 for smart farm technology and energy efficiency and $2,000 for farm security. For some eligible items, there is a maximum grant stated in the funding list. More information is available on the province’s website.
