Irrigation Program — Irrigation Efficiency Program SK Canada

Irrigation Program — Irrigation Efficiency Program

SK, Canada
Funding for farms in Saskatchewan to improve irrigation efficiency
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grant_single|eligibleFinancing
  • grant_single|fromMinToMax
  • grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
  • grant_single|openingDateMay 16, 2023
  • grant_single|closingDateMarch 31, 2028
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Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
  • Government of Saskatchewan
  • Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
  • Ministry of Agriculture
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grant_card_status|open

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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.

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This grant is applicable to entities operating within Saskatchewan, as the program is provided by the Government of Saskatchewan. It primarily targets those involved in agricultural production and irrigation within the province.
  • Primary agricultural producers within the Province of Saskatchewan.
  • First Nation Bands in the Province of Saskatchewan.
  • Irrigation districts as defined by The Irrigation Act, 2019, in Saskatchewan.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$15,000

Upgrade irrigation system from gravity-fed to low-pressure

$15,000

Install soil moisture sensors for efficient irrigation

$15,000

Replace high-pressure main pump with low-pressure pump

$15,000

Convert combustion engine pumps to solar-powered

$15,000

Upgrade irrigation pump intake systems with new screens

$15,000

Implement remote communications technology for irrigation

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and activities within the defined scope.
  • Primary agricultural producers must demonstrate a minimum of $50,000 in gross farm income in Saskatchewan in the current or previous year.
  • Individual applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • First Nation Bands in the Province of Saskatchewan are eligible.
  • Irrigation districts within the meaning of The Irrigation Act, 2019, approved by the ministry, are eligible.
  • Projects must have commenced after October 1, 2022.
  • Applicants must have a Saskatchewan Premises Identification (PID) number if they own, lease, or rent property where livestock and poultry are involved.
  • Related persons/entities are subject to a maximum funding cap.
  • A valid Water Rights Licence or a Water Service Agreement is required.
  • Projects must meet a minimum irrigation area of 10 acres.
  • New entrants should demonstrate capacity to meet the gross farm income threshold by March 2028.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Irrigation Efficiency Program in Saskatchewan is open to several types of applicants with specific criteria. Eligible applicants include:- 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: Located in the Province of Saskatchewan.- Irrigation Districts: As defined under The Irrigation Act, 2019 in Saskatchewan, which are approved by the ministry.Applicants also have to meet other eligibility requirements such as minimum acreage for irrigation, having a valid Water Rights Licence or Water Service Agreement, and compliance with various sections of The Irrigation Act, 2019. There are also specific eligible expenses listed, and projects should have commenced post-October 1, 2022. New entrants with potential to meet the income threshold by the program's end may also be considered.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant is designed specifically for agricultural producers and related entities in Saskatchewan, focusing on improving irrigation efficiency. The exclusions are largely centered around entities and costs that do not meet the strategic goal of reducing water and energy use in irrigation.
  • Companies or organizations that do not qualify as primary agricultural producers.
  • Entities engaged in new irrigation developments rather than upgrading existing systems.
  • Companies that cannot demonstrate the required gross farm income in Saskatchewan.
  • Projects and expenses that commenced prior to October 1, 2022.
  • Entities proposing projects involving regular repair, maintenance, or non-qualifying infrastructure and equipment expenses.
  • Non-agricultural industries or businesses whose main activity does not align with the grant’s focus on improved irrigation efficiency.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant supports the improvement of energy and water efficiencies in irrigation systems by providing rebates for specific upgrades and conversions. Eligible projects focus on modernizing existing irrigation infrastructure and enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Purchase and installation of new low pressure centre pivot, low-pressure linear system, or sub-surface irrigation for existing licensed irrigated acres when converting from gravity or side-wheel systems.
  • Materials and installation for low-pressure, high-efficiency sprinklers, including low pressure sprinkler nozzles, pressure regulators, and booms for low-pressure application.
  • Conversion from combustion engine to electric powered pumps, including the installation of power.
  • Conversion from electric or combustion engine to wind or solar powered pumps.
  • Replacement of 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 on new or existing irrigation systems.
  • Improving irrigation pump intake systems, including new screens or shoreline modifications to protect the water source.
  • Installation of flow monitors, water metres, or equipment that measures water usage.
  • Conversion of single speed electric irrigation pump motors to variable frequency drive motors.
  • Speed control systems to vary the speed of the lateral and apply different water depths.
  • Soil and plant moisture monitoring equipment, such as 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 systems, including sprinkler control valves and associated components.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers expenses related to converting low-efficiency or high-pressure irrigation systems to high-efficiency, low-pressure systems.
  • 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 systems.
  • Materials and installation for low-pressure, high-efficiency sprinklers, including low-pressure sprinkler nozzles, pressure regulators, pipe/hose extension/carts, 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 high-pressure pumps cannot be converted to low pressure.
  • Purchase, modification, and installation of fertigation equipment, such as injector pumps, installation materials, and liquid fertilizer storage tanks dedicated to the fertigation system.
  • Improving irrigation pump intake systems with new screens or shoreline modifications, including backflow prevention/check valves, repair of existing pump intake systems, and erosion control measures.
  • Installing flow monitors, water meters, or equipment that measures 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, such as 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 systems, including sprinkler control valves, electronic control panels, and lateral positioning systems.

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

Follow these steps to apply for the Irrigation Efficiency Program grant:
  • Step 1: Review Program Details
    • Ensure your project and expenses meet eligibility criteria after October 1, 2022.
    • Confirm applicant eligibility by demonstrating a minimum of $50,000 in gross farm income.
    • Perform the Agri-Environmental Risk Assessment.
  • Step 2: Prepare Documentation
    • Ensure the irrigation project is fully constructed and operational before applying.
    • Compile and pay all relevant invoices for the project as originals are not required.
  • Step 3: Complete the Application Form
    • Download the Irrigation Efficiency Program Rebate Application Form.
    • Fill in the form with accurate and complete information.
    • Save the application form to your computer before completing it.
  • Step 4: Submit Application
    • Email completed applications to agprograms@gov.sk.ca.
    • Alternatively, mail completed applications to: Irrigation Programming, Ministry of Agriculture, Programs Branch, 329 – 3085 Albert Street, Regina SK S4S 0B1.
  • Step 5: Monitor and Retain Confirmation
    • Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.
    • Watch for confirmation of submission or any follow-up communications.

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