Irrigation Program — Irrigation Efficiency Program
SK, Canada
Funding for farms in Saskatchewan to improve irrigation efficiency
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateApril 01, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 31, 2028
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Government of Saskatchewan
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get up to $50,000 to cover up to 30% of the costs of converting low-efficiency or high-pressure irrigation systems to high-efficiency, low-pressure irrigation systems that result in improved energy and water efficiencies.
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible projects and activities for this grant include various improvements and installations focused on enhancing irrigation efficiency. These initiatives range from upgrading to low-pressure systems to installing remote communication technologies.
- Purchase and installation of new low pressure center pivot, low-pressure linear system, or sub-surface irrigation for existing licensed irrigated acres when converting from gravity, or side-wheel irrigation systems.
- Materials and installation for low pressure, high efficiency sprinklers.
- Conversion from combustion engine to electric powered pumps, including installation of power.
- Conversion from electric or combustion engine to wind or solar powered pumps.
- End gun booster pumps and low-pressure main pump replacement, when existing high-pressure pumps cannot be converted to low pressure.
- Purchase, modification, and installation of fertigation equipment.
- Improving irrigation pump intake systems with new screens or shoreline modifications to protect the water source.
- Installing flow monitors, water meters, or equipment that will measure water usage.
- Conversion of single speed electric irrigation pump motors to variable frequency drive motors, including related control systems.
- Speed control system to vary the speed of the lateral allowing different water depths to be applied.
- Soil and plant moisture monitoring equipment, e.g., soil and leaf moisture sensors.
- Remote communications technologies such as telemetry that communicates with the center pivot panel.
- Purchase and installation of new Variable Rate irrigation equipment on new or existing irrigation systems.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$15,000
Toronto
Upgrade irrigation system from gravity-fed to low-pressure
$15,000
Montreal
Install soil moisture sensors for efficient irrigation
$15,000
Winnipeg
Replace high-pressure main pump with low-pressure pump
$15,000
Vancouver
Convert combustion engine pumps to solar-powered
$15,000
Calgary
Upgrade irrigation pump intake systems with new screens
$15,000
Ottawa
Implement remote communications technology for irrigation
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Irrigation Efficiency Program, applicants must meet specific criteria related to their status as agricultural producers or irrigation districts and comply with certain legal and operational requirements.
- Primary agricultural producers (individual, partnership, co-operative or corporation) who can demonstrate a minimum $50,000 of gross farm income in Saskatchewan in the year of application or the year prior to the application.
- Individual applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- First Nation Bands in the Province of Saskatchewan.
- Irrigation districts (within the meaning of The Irrigation Act, 2019) in Saskatchewan that are approved by the ministry.
- Project (and any expenses) must have commenced after October 1, 2022.
- Producers who own, lease or rent property where livestock and poultry are grown, bred, kept, raised, displayed, assembled, or disposed require a Saskatchewan Premises Identification (PID) number.
- Irrigation districts must be in good standing as a district and have met the criteria as laid out in Part 2 of The Irrigation Act, 2019.
- All current irrigators are required to pay a per acre levy fee to the Irrigation Crop Diversification Corporation to support irrigation research and development in the province as per Part 5 of The Irrigation Act, 2019.
- Projects must irrigate a minimum of 10 acres.
- Have a valid Water Rights Licence issued by the Water Security Agency (WSA) or a Water Service Agreement with a recognized Irrigation District.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The eligible types of companies for the Irrigation Efficiency Program grant include primary agricultural producers, First Nation Bands, and irrigation districts in Saskatchewan. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a minimum of $50,000 gross farm income in Saskatchewan within the specified timeframe.
- Primary agricultural producers (individual, partnership, co-operative, or corporation)
- First Nation Bands in the Province of Saskatchewan
- Irrigation districts within the meaning of The Irrigation Act, 2019 in Saskatchewan
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. Below is a list of eligible expenses:
- Purchase and installation of a new low pressure center pivot, low-pressure linear system, or sub-surface irrigation for existing licensed irrigated acres when converting from gravity or side-wheel irrigation systems.
- Materials and installation for low pressure, high efficiency sprinklers, including low pressure sprinkler nozzles, pressure regulators, pipe/hose extension/carts to provide low clearance, booms for low pressure application, delivery hose/pipe, and filters and emitters for trickle or drip systems.
- Conversion from combustion engine to electric powered pumps (including installation of power).
- Conversion from electric or combustion engine to wind or solar powered pumps.
- End gun booster pumps and low-pressure main pump replacement when it has been demonstrated that existing high-pressure pumps cannot be converted to low pressure.
- Purchase, modification, and installation of fertigation equipment (eligible on new or existing irrigation systems) such as injector pumps, associated installation materials, and liquid fertilizer storage tanks dedicated to the fertigation system.
- Improving irrigation pump intake systems with new screens or shoreline modifications to protect the water source, including backflow prevention/check valves, repair of existing pump intake system and erosion control measures including the cost of earthwork for shoreline modification.
- Installing flow monitors, water meters or equipment that will measure water usage.
- Conversion of single speed electric irrigation pump motors to variable frequency drive motors, including related control systems.
- Speed control system to vary the speed of the lateral allowing different water depths to be applied.
- Soil and plant moisture monitoring equipment (e.g., soil and leaf moisture sensors).
- Remote communications technologies such as telemetry that communicates with the centre pivot panel.
- Purchase and installation of new Variable Rate irrigation equipment on new or existing irrigation systems, including sprinkler control valves, electronic control panel, and lateral positioning system.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for the Irrigation Efficiency Program are located within the Province of Saskatchewan.
- Producers in Saskatchewan
- First Nation Bands in Saskatchewan
- Irrigation districts in Saskatchewan
grant_single_labels|criteria
The grant specifies eligibility criteria rather than explicit evaluation and selection criteria. Applicants must meet several prerequisites related to income, project commencement dates, and compliance with specific regulations.
- The project and any expenses must have commenced after October 1, 2022.
- Applicants must irrigate a minimum of 10 acres.
- Primary agricultural producers must have a minimum $50,000 of gross farm income in Saskatchewan in the year of application or the year prior to the application.
- First Nation Bands and irrigation districts in the Province of Saskatchewan are also eligible under certain conditions.
- All current Irrigators must pay a per acre levy fee to the Irrigation Crop Diversification Corporation.
- Projects must have a valid Water Rights Licence or Water Service Agreement.
- Applicants must meet all required approvals and obtain necessary inspections/documents before submitting a rebate application.
- Vegetable, greenhouse, and fruit operations may have exemptions regarding minimum acreage requirements on a case-by-case basis.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Review the Irrigation Efficiency Program details, including eligibility
- Step 2: Complete the Agri-Environmental Risk Assessment before beginning the project
- Step 3: Complete the Irrigation Efficiency Program Rebate Application Form
- Step 4: Ensure all invoices are paid in full before applying for the rebate
- Step 5: Submit copies of paid invoices, as originals will not be returned
- Step 6: Submit the completed application package by email to agprograms@gov.sk.ca or by mail to:
- Irrigation Programming
- Ministry of Agriculture, Programs Branch
- 329 – 3085 Albert Street
- Regina SK S4S 0B1
- Step 7: Ensure the project is fully constructed and operational for irrigation before submitting the rebate claim
- Step 8: Projects must be completed and applications for rebate must be submitted by March 31, 2028
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Other miscellaneous information about the grant shows specific conditions and eligible expenses to ensure proper application and utilization of the grant.
- Eligible applicants can receive up to 30% of eligible costs, with a maximum payment of $50,000 over the program term.
- Projects must be fully constructed and operational before a rebate is issued.
- Applicants must have earned a minimum of $50,000 of gross farm income in Saskatchewan in the year of application or the prior year.
- New entrants can be eligible if they expect to meet the income threshold within the five-year term.
- Producers need a valid Water Rights Licence or a Water Service Agreement for a recognized Irrigation District.
- First Nation producers have specialized support to assist with the application process and eligibility criteria.
- Projects must commence after October 1, 2022 to be eligible.
grant_single_labels|contact
agprograms@gov.sk.ca
866-457-2377
Apply to this program
Irrigation Efficiency Program
The Irrigation Efficiency Program offers rebates to eligible agricultural producers in Saskatchewan for upgrading to high-efficiency, low-pressure irrigation systems. The initiative aims to enhance water and energy efficiency, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Comprehensive Guide to the Irrigation Efficiency Program
The Irrigation Efficiency Program is a significant initiative aimed at supporting agricultural producers in Saskatchewan to transition to more efficient irrigation systems. This program is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) and runs from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028. It offers financial rebates to help offset the costs associated with upgrading irrigation systems, thereby promoting both energy and water conservation within the agricultural sector.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Irrigation Efficiency Program, applicants must meet specific requirements. The following entities are eligible:
- Primary Agricultural Producers: This includes individuals, partnerships, cooperatives, or corporations that can demonstrate a minimum of $50,000 in gross farm income in Saskatchewan, either in the year of application or the year prior. Individual applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- First Nation Bands: First Nation bands located in Saskatchewan.
- Irrigation Districts: Must be an approved irrigation district as defined by The Irrigation Act, 2019.
For new entrants who have not yet met the gross farm income threshold but believe they can do so within the five-year term of the program, there is a New Entrant Self-Assessment process to determine potential eligibility. First Nation producers and irrigation districts interested in applying are encouraged to contact the designated specialists for further assistance.
Rebate Details
The program provides a rebate covering up to 30% of eligible costs, with a maximum rebate of $50,000 over the program’s five-year term. Eligible expenses incurred after October 1, 2022, can be considered for reimbursement. It's important to note that there are no interim payments; rebates are issued only when the project is fully constructed, operational, and all invoices are paid in full.
Applicants must ensure that the minimum rebate amount is $250 and should aim to maximize their eligible expenses within the given cap to take full advantage of the program.
Project Requirements
Projects must adhere to several requirements to be eligible for the rebate:
- The irrigation area must cover a minimum of 10 acres.
- A valid Water Rights Licence issued by the Water Security Agency (WSA) or a Water Service Agreement with a recognized Irrigation District is mandatory.
- Modifications to pump sites may require additional approvals from federal or provincial bodies. All necessary permits must be obtained before submitting a rebate application.
There are exceptions for vegetable, greenhouse, and fruit operations, which can be considered on a case-by-case basis even if they do not meet the minimum acreage requirement. Applicants are advised to discuss potential eligibility directly with the Programs Branch.
Eligible Expenses
Various expenses are covered under the program, aimed at improving the efficiency of existing irrigation systems:
- Purchase and installation of new low-pressure center pivot, low-pressure linear systems, or sub-surface irrigation systems when converting from gravity or side-wheel systems.
- Materials and installation for high-efficiency sprinklers, including nozzles, pressure regulators, extension carts for low clearance, booms, delivery hoses, and drip system filters and emitters.
- Conversion of combustion engines to electric-powered pumps, and further to wind or solar-powered pumps.
- End gun booster pumps and replacement of high-pressure main pumps if conversion to low pressure is not feasible.
- Installation of fertigation equipment on new or existing systems.
- Enhancements to irrigation pump intake systems for source protection, including new screens and shoreline modifications.
- Water usage monitoring devices such as flow monitors and water meters.
- Conversion of single-speed electric pumps to variable frequency drive motors.
- Soil and plant moisture monitoring tools.
- Remote communication technologies for irrigation system management.
- Variable Rate irrigation equipment for precise water application.
Ineligible Expenses
Certain activities and expenses do not qualify for the rebate, including:
- Projects and expenses started before October 1, 2022.
- Invoices that are not in the applicant's name.
- Development of new irrigation systems entirely.
- Drip systems for orchards and u-pick operations unless converting from existing systems.
- Costs associated with new irrigation development, covering pumps, pipe infrastructure, and water-source expansion.
- Replacement of existing electric or combustion engines with similar types.
- Maintenance and repair expenses.
- Modification of irrigation works not owned by the applicant.
- Various taxes, financing fees, interest charges, and legal fees.
- Labour costs for the applicant or employees, administrative costs, and application support fees.
- Land/property purchases, easements, and in-kind payments.
- Costs for used, leased, or fabricated materials and equipment.
- Any other government grant or rebate-related expenses.
Application Process
Prospective applicants must review the program's details and ensure compliance with all requirements before applying. The following steps outline the application process:
- Download and complete the Irrigation Efficiency Program Rebate Application Form. It is recommended to save the form to your computer before entering information.
- Compile all relevant documentation, including paid invoices, project receipts, and necessary permits.
- Ensure that the project is fully constructed and operational before submission.
- Submit the completed application package via email to agprograms@gov.sk.ca or mail it to the Ministry of Agriculture, Programs Branch, Irrigation Programming at 329 – 3085 Albert Street, Regina SK S4S 0B1.
It's advised to submit rebate claims promptly once the project is operational. The final deadline for submitting applications is March 31, 2028.
Agri-Environmental Risk Assessment
An agri-environmental risk assessment is required as a prerequisite to access program funding. This assessment ensures that the project adheres to environmental protection protocols and sustainability principles.
Conclusion
The Irrigation Efficiency Program is a vital resource for Saskatchewan's agricultural producers aiming to adopt more sustainable and efficient irrigation technologies. By providing substantial financial rebates, the program encourages the adoption of practices that conserve water and energy while enhancing overall agricultural productivity. Eligible applicants should ensure they meet all criteria, complete the necessary documentation, and adhere to the submission guidelines to take full advantage of this beneficial program.
