Open
On-Farm Efficiency Program
Supports environmental efficiency in agricultural operations in Alberta
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 500 - $ 150,000
Timeline
- Open Date : August 14, 2024
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Optimize production processes
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
- Minimum amount : 500 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : August 14, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- $ 25,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- 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.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- 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.
Who is not eligible
- 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.
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.
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta, Canada
Additional information
- 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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the On-Farm Efficiency Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the On-Farm Efficiency Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the On-Farm Efficiency Program?
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.
How much funding can be received?
On-Farm Efficiency Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $150,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the On-Farm Efficiency Program program?
To be eligible for the On-Farm Efficiency Program program, you must:
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.
Approved Indigenous applicants, including First Nation, Métis Nation, and Inuit, are eligible.
The applicant must either have a valid and current Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) certificate or provide confirmation that they will obtain one before submitting the final report.
What expenses are eligible under On-Farm Efficiency Program?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the On-Farm Efficiency Program?
You can contact Government of Alberta by email at ofep@gov.ab.ca or by phone at 403-742-7901.
Where is the On-Farm Efficiency Program available?
The On-Farm Efficiency Program program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the On-Farm Efficiency Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
On-Farm Efficiency Program is a Grant and Funding
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