FRWIP — Small Dams
SK, Canada
The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) offers a 50% rebate on eligible costs for developing sustainable water sources in agriculture, up to $75,000.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateDecember 31, 2027
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Saskatchewan
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
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grant_card_status|open
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The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) is designed to support the development of secure and sustainable water sources for agricultural use in Saskatchewan by providing rebates for eligible costs related to projects such as small dam construction, wells, dugouts, and pipelines. Eligible applicants, including primary agricultural producers, First Nation Bands, and Crown Land Pasture Grazing Associations, may receive up to 50% of the project costs with a maximum rebate of $75,000. All projects must demonstrate agricultural use for the water and adhere to specific regulatory requirements.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant program is administered by the Government of Saskatchewan and is primarily focused on supporting agricultural producers within the province. Therefore, the eligible geographical area is the Province of Saskatchewan.
- The Province of Saskatchewan.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$11,000
Implementation of wind-powered watering system and trenching for pipe installation
$12,500
Installation of pipelines and nose pumps for livestock watering
$11,000
Building a small dam and installing fencing for water supply on farm
$18,500
Construction of a small dam and installation of solar-powered pumps
$13,500
Development of a well with permanently installed water storage tanks
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) has specific eligibility criteria for applicants.
- The applicant must be a primary agricultural producer (individual, partnership, cooperative, or corporation) with a minimum of $50,000 in gross farm income in Saskatchewan in the year of application or the year prior. Individual applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Multi-producer groups are eligible if they consist of unrelated entities that are legally, financially, and operationally independent of each other, and all members must independently meet program eligibility.
- First Nation Bands in Saskatchewan are eligible.
- Crown Land Pasture Grazing Associations in Saskatchewan qualify for eligibility.
- New entrants can become eligible if they can prove they will generate $50,000 in gross farm income within five years, given certain conditions related to recent investments in farming operations.
- All applicants must demonstrate an agricultural use for the water source development, such as crop spraying, livestock watering, intensive horticulture production, or irrigation with relevant licenses and approvals.
- Applicants who own, lease, or rent property for livestock or poultry farming require a Saskatchewan Premises Identification (PID) number.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) is open to a range of applicants primarily involved in primary agricultural production in Saskatchewan. Eligible applicants include:1. Primary agricultural producers (individuals, partnerships, co-operatives, or corporations) who can demonstrate a minimum gross farm income of $50,000 in Saskatchewan in the year of or prior to the application. Individual applicants must be at least 18 years of age.2. Multi-producer groups, comprising two or more eligible applicants who are legally, financially, and operationally independent from each other.3. First Nation Bands within Saskatchewan.4. Crown Land Pasture Grazing Associations in Saskatchewan.New entrants who are confident in meeting the gross farm income requirements within a five-year period can also assess their eligibility for the program.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant does not specify explicit exclusions for particular industries or company types based on their status or main activity. However, potential applicants should note that activities and expenses not aligned with agricultural water infrastructure development are ineligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) supports small dam projects intended to develop secure and sustainable water sources for agricultural purposes. The grant covers a range of eligible activities focusing on the construction and operationalization of small dam structures and the necessary components for water management.
- Construction of new small dams with an embankment height of 2.5 meters or less.
- Installation of wet wells including casing and gravel as part of a new small dam.
- Purchase and installation of pumps, pipelines, and other plumbing materials.
- Permanently installing water storage tanks (minimum 1,000 US gallons/3,700 liters) specifically for agricultural use.
- Construction of permanent fencing to exclude livestock from water sources associated with new dams.
- Installation of watering appliances, such as watering bowls and nose pumps, as part of new dam projects.
- Implementation of power infrastructure including solar or wind water pumping systems integrated into dam projects.
- Trenching or directional boring for water distribution piping from the dam area to water usage points.
- Consulting and engineering fees necessary for project design and regulatory approvals.
- In-kind labor provided by applicants for construction and installation tasks, limited to certain reimbursable amounts.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses for the small dam projects under the grant include various costs associated with construction, materials, and related activities.
- Fees for Permit to Construct Groundwater Investigation, Water Rights Licensing and Approval to Construct and Operate from the Water Security Agency.
- Consultant and/or engineering fees, such as hydro-geologist and project design.
- Construction of a new small dam with a height of embankment of 2.5 metres or less.
- Installation of a wet well, including funding for casing and gravel.
- Pumps, pipelines, and miscellaneous plumbing materials, including electric, solar, wind pumps, pump controllers, pipes, floating intake, pressure systems, and pitless adapters.
- Permanently installed water storage tanks (minimum 1,000 US gallons/3,700 litres) with a maximum rebate of $5,000 per eligible project.
- Permanent fencing to exclude livestock from a new dam, max rebate of $750 per project.
- Watering appliances, including watering bowls, pads, nose pumps, hydrants, or water troughs with a max rebate of $2,500 per applicant.
- Power infrastructure, including solar/wind/composite livestock watering systems, and monitoring equipment, with a maximum funding of $20,000.
- Trenching or directional boring and pipe installation from the small dam to water distribution points.
- In-kind labour funded at $22 per hour to a maximum rebate of $250 per project.
- In-kind machinery/equipment based on the Farm Machinery Custom Rate and Rental Guide.
grant_single_labels|criteria
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Review Program Details and Eligibility
- Read the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) guidelines to understand eligibility and funding details.
- Ensure your project aligns with the criteria for small dam projects as outlined by the program.
- Verify that you meet the applicant eligibility criteria, including the minimum gross farm income and age requirements.
- Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
- Collect all necessary documents, including land authorization if applicable and regulatory approvals from the Water Security Agency (WSA).
- Ensure you have detailed project plans and estimates for eligible expenses.
- Step 3: Complete Pre-Approval Application
- Fill out the Small Dam Pre-Approval Application Form fully and accurately.
- For multi-producer projects, ensure consistency with other applicants in parts 4 and 5 of the application.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application form via email to agprograms@gov.sk.ca or by mail to the Programs Branch at the Ministry of Agriculture.
- Applications must be submitted by December 31, 2027, and projects completed by March 31, 2028.
- Step 5: Project Approval and Construction
- Once pre-approval is granted, proceed with the construction ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
- Maintain records of all expenses and invoices related to eligible project costs.
- Step 6: Submit Claim for Rebate
- Upon project completion and operational status, submit claims for funding using provided forms.
- Include proof of payment for all expenses with submission.
- Ensure all claims are submitted the earlier of 18 months from project approval or by March 31, 2028.
- Step 7: Receive Rebate
- Receive rebate payment upon verification of eligibility and expense documentation.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Additional information regarding the grant includes requirements and recommendations for pre-approval and project details.
- Pre-approval is mandatory for all small dam projects.
- Applicants must meet all regulatory requirements for water development projects before starting work.
- Written authorization from the landowner is required if the project is on land not owned by the applicant.
- Projects on Crown land require contacting the Ministry of Agriculture lands branch.
- A Water Rights Licence and Approval to Construct and Operate Works from the Water Security Agency is necessary for certain projects.
- An Aquatic Habitat Protection Permit (AHPP) is required if the dam is developed in the bed of a water body or watercourse.
- A minimum claim amount of $500 is mandatory.
- Applications must be submitted by December 31, 2027, with projects completed by March 31, 2028.
grant_single_labels|contact
866-457-2377
Apply to this program
Secure Funding for Sustainable Water Infrastructure Development
The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) offers substantial financial support to agricultural producers in Saskatchewan for developing secure and sustainable water sources through projects such as small dams. This initiative encourages the implementation of water infrastructure that significantly supports agricultural operations, ensuring enhanced productivity and sustainability.
In-depth Overview of the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP)
The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) provides essential rebates to eligible producers intending to develop water infrastructure aimed specifically at agricultural purposes. This provincial initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote resource sustainability, particularly by securing water sources critical for livestock watering, crop spraying, and intensive horticultural activities. Eligible projects, including the construction of small dams up to 2.5 metres in height, are designed to bolster agricultural reliability and enhance ecological sustainability in alignment with the Ministry's strategic objectives.
FRWIP funding covers up to 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $75,000 per applicant, encouraging producers to undertake significant water infrastructure projects. Whether it involves individual applications or multi-producer collaborative efforts, the initiative ensures flexibility while emphasizing the need for comprehensive planning and rigorous adherence to regulatory requirements. Projects must not only comply with all environmental and legal standards but also serve a defined agricultural purpose to qualify for these rebates. This includes obtaining necessary permits from agencies like the Water Security Agency to ensure environmental protection and sustainability.
A modern, strategic approach to agriculture underpins FRWIP’s objectives. Eligible expenses extend beyond mere construction costs, incorporating essential components and systems such as pumps, pipelines, permanent storage tanks, and even renewable-powered systems for efficient water distribution. By implementing such advanced systems, Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector can anticipate operational efficiencies that promote resilience and adaptability in agriculture-dependent communities.
The grant prioritizes producers who have a demonstrable commitment to maintaining a gross farm income threshold, ensuring that only genuinely invested agricultural operations receive financial assistance. Additionally, new entrants in the market are encouraged to join under specific conditions, fostering inclusivity and sector growth. This dynamic approach to eligibility ensures that the program adapts to varying entry levels and allows broader participation in enhancing Saskatchewan’s agricultural productivity.
Furthermore, the FRWIP effectively balances infrastructure investment with environmental stewardship by requiring comprehensive project evaluations and approvals before funds are disbursed. This ensures all projects align with both agricultural needs and environmental responsibilities. It also promotes an innovative mindset among producers, urging them to incorporate sustainable practices as part of routine operations.
In summary, the FRWIP is not just a funding opportunity but a comprehensive support mechanism that aligns economic benefits with broad environmental and societal outcomes. It offers agricultural producers the necessary financial resources to undertake water infrastructure projects that will have long-lasting effects on both their productivity and sustainability. By prioritizing ecological balance and agricultural enhancement, the program significantly contributes to the long-term viability of Saskatchewan’s agricultural landscape while fostering a forward-thinking approach to resource management.
