How much funding can be received?

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.

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This grant is not limited to specific geographical areas within Canada as per the information provided. It is available to all eligible farmers and agricultural stakeholders across the nation to promote climate solutions.

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$50,000

Winnipeg

Adopting beneficial management practices on an Indigenous farmstead

$75,000

Fredericton

Establishing an ACS Living Labs program at a farming cooperative

$45,000

Saskatoon

Testing and implementing cover crops to reduce emissions

$45,000

Caledon

Implementing nitrogen management techniques to reduce greenhouse gases on a farm

$60,000

Milton

Introducing pasture rotation practices to enhance carbon sequestration at a farm

$90,000

Nanaimo

Research and development of climate-resilient farming

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Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific participation in agricultural activities and involvement with climate solutions.

Applicants must be engaged in farming activities.
Applicants must be interested in adopting or testing beneficial management practices focused on climate resiliency.
The project must aim to sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or deliver other environmental benefits.

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This grant targets individuals, organizations, and partnerships involved in the agriculture sector aiming to enhance climate resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through innovative practices.

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This grant supports activities focused on developing and implementing farming practices to combat climate change. The eligible projects emphasize carbon sequestration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing climate resiliency through collaborative efforts.

Co-development and testing of beneficial on-farm practices by farmers, scientists, and sector partners.
Adoption of beneficial management practices (BMPs) that facilitate carbon storage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on farms.
Investment in natural climate solutions in collaboration with NRCan's and ECCC's related programs.

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- 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

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Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Review Eligibility
- Ensure your project aligns with the objectives of the Agricultural Climate Solutions program and its streams such as Living Labs and the On-Farm Climate Action Fund.
Step 2: Register with AAFC
- Create an account with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada if you do not have one.
- Provide necessary organizational details during registration.
Step 3: Prepare Application
- Develop a comprehensive project proposal detailing farming practices that address climate change.
- Include information on how the project will sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide environmental benefits.
Step 4: Collaborate With Partners
- Identify and engage with relevant partners such as farmers, scientists, and other stakeholders.
- Develop and document collaborative strategies for project implementation.
Step 5: Compile Supporting Documents
- Gather all necessary documents such as budgets, timelines, and letters of support from partners and stakeholders.
Step 6: Submit Application
- Access AAFC's online submission portal to upload the complete proposal and all supporting documents.
- Verify that all application details are correct and complete the required fields in the online form.
Step 7: Confirmation and Follow-Up
- Receive confirmation of submission via email, containing your application tracking number.
- Keep the confirmation email for your records and note any follow-up actions or timelines provided by AAFC.

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Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The program is a collaborative effort involving multiple federal departments, showcasing a comprehensive governmental approach to climate solutions.
The grant supports practices that not only tackle emissions but also enhance overall environmental well-being.
The ACS program aligns with broader national initiatives such as the 2 Billion Trees program and contributes to Canada's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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Agricultural Climate Solutions

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.