On-Farm Efficiency Program
grant_single|update April 7, 2025
AB, Canada
Supports environmental efficiency in agricultural operations in Alberta
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDate August 14, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Alberta
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The On-Farm Efficiency Program (OFEP) aims to help agricultural producers enhance environmental sustainability by improving the efficient use of agricultural inputs, reducing emissions, and minimizing chemical runoff. Eligible activities include adopting smart farm technologies, energy-efficient practices, farm security improvements, and efficient grain handling methods. Each applicant can receive a maximum of $150,000, with specific caps for different program streams like $50,000 for Smart Farm Technology and $100,000 for Efficient Grain Handling.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
- The maximum grant funding available per applicant over the program term (2024-2028) is $150,000.
- Funding is cost-shared at 50% grant and 50% applicant responsibility, except for insulation, which follows specific funding per square footage as stated in the Funding List.
- Funding is available through four streams with maximums per stream: $50,000 for Smart Farm Technology, $50,000 for Energy Efficiency, $2,000 for Farm Security, and $100,000 for Efficient Grain Handling.
- The minimum grant amount per application is $500.
- Eligible expenses qualify only once for payment under the program.
- Funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis, contingent upon proof of eligible expenses paid after April 1, 2023.
- Funding from other government programs cannot exceed 100% of the eligible expenses.
- An AGR-1 tax slip will be issued for grants considered farm support payments.
- A grant agreement must be signed to receive program funding, stipulating terms like maximum grant amounts and eligible expenses.
grant_single_labels|projects
- Purchase of Smart Farm Technology that optimizes farm efficiency.
- Implementation of Energy Efficiency measures in agricultural operations.
- Installation of Farm Security systems.
- Adoption of technologies for Efficient Grain Handling.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- The applicant must be a Primary Producer responsible for day-to-day management of an agricultural operation in Alberta producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually.
- The applicant must be responsible for input costs for their operation.
- The applicant cannot be a landlord whose only interest in the operation is ownership.
- The applicant must have a valid and current Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) certificate or letter of completion by the application date, or provide confirmation they will obtain this by the final report submission.
- Indigenous applicants (First Nation, Métis Nation, Inuit) may be approved even if they do not meet the standard requirements, acknowledging distinct characteristics of Indigenous businesses.
- The applicant cannot be an agribusiness offering custom, consulting, or general services to agricultural clients, applied research organizations, or post-secondary institutions.
- The applicant cannot be a federal, provincial, or municipal government, agency, or institution, grazing reserve, or similar organization funded in part or whole by the government.
- The proposed activity must be located in Alberta and involve the purchase of an Eligible Item or technology/system that the Minister considers substantially similar to an Eligible Item and in line with the stream.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- Primary producers responsible for managing day-to-day agricultural operations such as annual crop, bee, or livestock operations in Alberta.
- Approved Indigenous applicants, including First Nations, Métis Nation, and Inuit businesses.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
- Agribusinesses offering custom services, consulting services, or general services to agricultural clients, including commercial applicators.
- Applied research organizations.
- Post-secondary institutions.
- Federal, provincial, and municipal governments, agencies, and institutions, as well as similar organizations funded partially or entirely by the government.
- Grazing reserves.
- Any other person or entity deemed ineligible by the Minister.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
- Cost for the purchase of a technology or system that optimizes farm efficiency, minimizes agricultural waste, and advances the digitalization of an operation.
- Cost for activities aligned with approved Eligible Items as listed in the OFEP Funding List.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
- Alberta, Canada
grant_single_labels|criteria
The On-Farm Efficiency Program (OFEP) evaluates and selects applications on a case-by-case basis according to the eligibility criteria and funding availability. The determination of payment under this program is also dependent on the submission of a completed application, albeit without a guarantee of funding.
- Eligibility of the applicant (Primary producer responsible for an agricultural operation in Alberta)
- Production of at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually
- Responsibility for input costs of the operation
- Not being a landlord whose only interest is ownership
- Approved Indigenous applicants (First Nation, Métis Nation, Inuit)
- Possession of a current Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) certificate or letter of completion
- Compliance with eligible and non-eligible expenses as detailed in the OFEP Funding List
grant_single_labels|apply
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grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- The program covers eligible expenses incurred after April 1, 2023, but not before this date.
- All expenses need to be fully documented with proof of payment matching the legal name on the application.
- The grant operates on a cost-sharing basis, with 50% of eligible expenses covered by the grant, except insulation.
- Applicants must ensure the equipment remains owned and operational according to the requirements specified for at least three years.
- Funding is not guaranteed; applications are evaluated based on eligibility criteria and funding constraints, not on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Successful applicants must sign a grant agreement that stipulates the terms and conditions for funding.
- Agricultural businesses must use the awarded grant within the project term, refraining from applying for expenses that are similar to previously funded expenses under related programs.
- The program aims to support Indigenous businesses in the agriculture and food sector by reducing barriers and ensuring accessibility.
- Taxes such as GST, installation, and extended warranty costs are deemed ineligible expenses.
- An Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) must be obtained by the applicant before the end of the project term if not already possessed.
grant_single_labels|contact
ofep@gov.ab.ca
403-742-7901
Apply to this program
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