Agricultural Climate Solutions
Canada
Funding for farmer-led projects that fight climate change
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a grant of up to $100,000 when you partner with agricultural non-profits, Indigenous organizations and environmental groups in your province on a project that stores carbon and/or reduces greenhouse gases.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are specific activities eligible for this grant that help to store carbon and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- Nitrogen management
- Implementation of cover crops
- Pasture rotation practices
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$45,000
Caledon
Implementing nitrogen management techniques to reduce greenhouse gases on a farm in Caledon.
$60,000
Milton
Introducing pasture rotation practices to enhance carbon sequestration at a farm in Milton.
$90,000
Nanaimo
Research and development of climate-resilient farming in Nanaimo.
$50,000
Winnipeg
Adopting beneficial management practices on an Indigenous farmstead in Winnipeg.
$45,000
Saskatoon
Testing and implementing cover crops to reduce emissions in Saskatoon.
$75,000
Fredericton
Establishing an ACS Living Labs program at a farming cooperative in Fredericton.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for the Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) grant program are not explicitly stated in the provided context. To obtain specific information on the eligibility criteria for this grant program, you may need to contact the program administrators directly via email at aafc.acs-sac.aac@agr.gc.ca. They will be able to provide you with detailed information on who is eligible to apply for the grant and the specific requirements that applicants must meet to qualify for funding.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible types of companies for this grant include:
- Non-profit organizations, including producer groups, specialized producer groups, and non-governmental organizations.
- Indigenous groups.
- For-profit organizations.
- Provincial or territorial Crown corporations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for the Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) grant may include: - Costs associated with implementing on-farm climate action practices - Expenses related to adopting beneficial management practices (BMPs) - Funding for research and development of climate-resilient farming technologies - Fees for participating in ACS Living Labs program activities - Investments in carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas reduction initiatives Please refer to the grant guidelines for a detailed list of eligible expenses.
grant_single_labels|criteria
- Demonstrated alignment with the objectives of the Agricultural Climate Solutions program - Potential to sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and deliver environmental benefits - Ability to implement innovative farming practices to tackle climate change - Capacity to collaborate with farmers, scientists, and sector partners in developing beneficial on-farm practices - Feasibility and scalability of proposed on-farm climate action initiatives - Potential impact on enhancing climate resiliency in the agricultural sector - Alignment with the overall goals of the Natural Climate Solutions Fund and contributions towards Canada's greenhouse gas reduction targets
grant_single_labels|register
To apply for the Agricultural Climate Solutions grant, you can follow these steps: 1. Visit the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) website to access the grant information. 2. Review the eligibility criteria and program guidelines to ensure your project aligns with the grant objectives. 3. Prepare your application materials, including a project proposal outlining how you will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience in agriculture. 4. Submit your application according to the specified deadlines and guidelines provided by AAFC. 5. Stay informed about any updates or announcements regarding the grant program.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- The ACS program is part of the Natural Climate Solutions Fund, which has a total investment of over $4 billion. - Collaboration between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is key to developing projects that invest in natural climate solutions. - The ACS program supports the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resiliency. - The Living Labs program involves farmers, scientists, and other partners working together to test on-farm practices for climate resiliency. - The On-Farm Climate Action Fund supports farmers in implementing beneficial management practices that store carbon and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
Apply to this program
Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) Initiative
Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) is a Canadian multi-stream program that supports the development and implementation of sustainable farming practices to combat climate change by promoting carbon sequestration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and offering environmental benefits. This initiative includes ACS – Living Labs and the On-Farm Climate Action Fund, providing substantial resources and facilitation for Canadian farmers, scientists, and industry partners to collaboratively pioneer and integrate eco-friendly technologies and practices.
Understanding the Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) Initiative
Agriculture is a vital sector in Canada’s economy, but it also faces significant challenges from climate change. In response to these challenges, Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) was established as a comprehensive initiative aimed at fostering sustainable farming practices. Let's delve deeper into the objectives, components, and benefits of this innovative program.
Objective of ACS
The primary objective of ACS is to develop, evaluate, adopt, and promote agricultural technologies and practices that contribute to carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative aligns with Canada’s broader goal of achieving significant reductions in emissions to meet the targets set forth in the Paris Agreement: a 40-45% reduction from 2005 levels by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Key Components of ACS
ACS comprises two primary streams: 1. **ACS – Living Labs** 2. **The On-Farm Climate Action Fund**
1. ACS – Living Labs
Launched in 2021, the ACS – Living Labs is a ten-year program with a budget allocation of $185 million. It involves creating a nationwide network of “living labs” where farmers, scientists, and industry stakeholders collaborate to co-develop and field-test promising agricultural technologies and practices that can mitigate climate change. Key Activities of Living Labs: - **Carbon Sequestration**: By treating agricultural lands similarly to forests in their capacity to store carbon, the ACS – Living Labs emphasize land management practices such as no-till farming, cover cropping, windbreaks, and riparian buffer zones to effectively sequester carbon. - **Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission Reduction**: In addition to carbon sequestration, practices tested in the living labs focus on reducing GHG emissions through livestock feed adjustments, integrated crop-livestock systems, and precision agriculture techniques. - **Additional Environmental Benefits**: These sustainable practices not only help with carbon storage but also improve soil and water quality and maintain biodiversity, thus promoting resilient agro-ecosystems.
2. The On-Farm Climate Action Fund
Introduced in Budget 2021 with a total investment of $704.1 million, the On-Farm Climate Action Fund supports farmers in adopting beneficial management practices (BMPs). These BMPs aim to store carbon and reduce GHG emissions in three primary areas: - **Nitrogen Management**: Efficient use of nitrogen fertilizers to minimize their environmental footprint. - **Cover Cropping**: Planting cover crops to protect soil, enhance biodiversity, and increase carbon sequestration. - **Rotational Grazing**: Implementing rotational grazing systems to improve pasture health and carbon storage. In addition to these three focal areas, the On-Farm Climate Action Fund also supports educational and training activities to promote the adoption of BMPs.
Collaborative Efforts Under ACS
ACS is part of a larger National Climate Solutions Fund, which includes contributions from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). This collaboration ensures a holistic approach to addressing climate change, including initiatives like NRCan’s 2 Billion Trees program and ECCC’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund.
The Role of Key Stakeholders
A successful ACS initiative relies on the collaboration of various stakeholders, including: - **Farmers and Agricultural Associations**: Farmers' practical insights and on-ground experiences are critical in co-developing and testing new practices. - **Scientists and Researchers**: Their expertise helps in evaluating the efficacy of proposed practices and technologies in real-world conditions. - **Industry Partners**: They provide essential resources and support for field trials and widespread adoption of validated practices.
Funding Distribution and Accessibility
The On-Farm Climate Action Fund distributes grants through 11 regional recipient organizations. These organizations then allocate funds to individual farmers for the adoption and implementation of BMPs. Additional support has been targeted to regions like Eastern Canada, where producers faced particularly high fertilizer prices, demonstrating the program’s adaptability and responsiveness to regional agricultural challenges.
Recent Developments and Future Directions
Since its launch, ACS has announced multiple projects and funding allocations: - In February 2022, 12 projects were initiated, with an additional project announced in July 2023, raising the total project count to 13, with a combined funding of $189.9 million. - Budget 2022 extended the On-Farm Climate Action Fund by an additional four years, now scheduled to conclude in March 2028.
Impacts and Benefits
The benefits of the ACS initiative extend beyond just climate mitigation: - **Economic Resilience**: Adopting BMPs can lead to increased farm productivity and resilience, reducing long-term operational risks. - **Environmental Health**: Improved soil health and water quality result from sustainable practices, contributing to higher crop yields and better farming conditions. - **Community Well-being**: As part of a national effort, successful climate action in agriculture supports the well-being of all Canadians by contributing to global climate goals and ensuring a sustainable future for upcoming generations.
Conclusion
Agricultural Climate Solutions stands as a testament to Canada’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and climate resilience. By fostering innovative practices and supporting farmers through collaborative efforts, the ACS initiative plays a crucial role in Canada’s climate strategy. Through the ACS – Living Labs and the On-Farm Climate Action Fund, it paves the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural sector, helping Canada meet its ambitious climate targets while enhancing the overall well-being of the environment and the community. As part of this concerted effort, Canadian farmers, scientists, and industry partners are at the forefront of leading innovations that not only secure a better future for agriculture but also contribute significantly to the global fight against climate change.
