Irrigation Program — Irrigation Development Program

Who is eligible?

Who is not eligible

This grant specifies eligibility criteria but does not explicitly exclude any industries. However, certain expenses and situations are ineligible, reflecting indirect restrictions on some industries or operations.

• Projects and expenses prior to October 1, 2022.
• On-farm land parcel irrigation systems beyond initial pipelines and power installations.
• Operations that cannot meet water quality criteria for the proposed project.
• Projects lacking necessary permits and approval from the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency.
• Entities not demonstrating $50,000 in gross farm income or unable to prove eligibility as new entrants.
• Projects receiving funding from other government programs overlapping with this grant.
• Related entities exceeding the maximum funding cap unless they operate independently.

Eligible expenses

The grant supports the development and enhancement of irrigation infrastructure to increase the irrigation capacity of agricultural lands in Saskatchewan. Eligible projects focus on establishing a secure water supply and supporting key infrastructural developments necessary for irrigation.

• Creation of a secure water supply for irrigable land parcels.
• Installation and purchase of pumps and pump stations.
• Construction and development of turnouts and pipelines.
• Installation of necessary power infrastructure and electrical hook-up to irrigation systems.
• Consulting services and fees for environmental assessments and project design.
• Establishment of distribution pipelines up to the center pivot point of new irrigable acres.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specifically available to companies and entities operating within Saskatchewan, Canada. Applicants must demonstrate activities and eligibility in alignment with this designated geographical area.

• Companies and individuals operating in the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada.

This grant involves several important considerations for eligibility and application, particularly for different applicant types and project characteristics.

• Pre-approval applications must be submitted by December 31, 2027, for projects to be completed by March 31, 2028.
• Expenses incurred after October 1, 2022, are eligible.
• The program allows flexibility for new entrants who can prove expected gross farm income of $50,000 by March 2028.
• Projects must increase irrigation capacity by a minimum of 10 acres and obtain necessary permits such as the Irrigation Certificate and Approval to Construct from the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency (WSA).
• Water source for the project must meet specific electrical conductivity and sodium absorption ratio requirements.
• Projects with a Term Irrigation Certificate are not eligible due to sustainability concerns.
• Interim claims are possible if specific conditions are met, including approved expenses totaling at least $100,000.