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
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
- Government of Saskatchewan
- Ministry of Agriculture
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|terms_and_conditions
This grant offers a structured financing plan focused on enhancing energy and water use efficiencies in irrigation systems, incentivizing conversions to more efficient methods through rebates.
- Eligible applicants receive up to 30% of eligible costs covered by the program, subject to a maximum program rebate of $50,000 over the five-year term.
- The rebate is issued only after the irrigation efficiency projects are fully constructed and operational, with no interim payments provided during project implementation.
- A minimum rebate amount of $250 applies to each eligible project.
- The program operates throughout the five-year term of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, ending on March 31, 2028.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Irrigation Efficiency Program aims to enhance irrigation systems by improving energy and water efficiencies. This program provides support for converting existing low efficiency or high-pressure systems to high efficiency, low pressure configurations.
- Purchase and installation of new low pressure center pivots, low-pressure linear systems, or sub-surface irrigation for existing licensed irrigated acres.
- Installation of low pressure, high efficiency sprinkler materials, including nozzles, pressure regulators, and booms.
- Conversion from combustion engine to electric, wind, or solar powered pumps.
- Replacement of end gun booster pumps and low-pressure main pumps where conversion to low pressure is not feasible.
- Purchase, modification, and installation of fertigation equipment on new or existing systems.
- Improvement of irrigation pump intake systems with updated screens or shoreline modifications to protect water sources.
- Introduction of flow monitors, water metres, or specialized equipment for water usage measurement.
- Conversion of pump motors to variable frequency drive motors and related control systems.
- Installation of soil and plant moisture monitoring equipment.
- Incorporation of remote communications technologies like telemetry for irrigation systems.
- Installation of new Variable Rate irrigation equipment on existing systems.
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
This grant is specifically available to entities operating within the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada. It aims to support regional development and enhance agricultural efficiency within this area.
- Primary agricultural producers in Saskatchewan.
- First Nation Bands located in Saskatchewan.
- Irrigation districts within the Province of Saskatchewan as defined by The Irrigation Act, 2019.
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
The Saskatchewan Irrigation Efficiency Rebate Opportunity
The Saskatchewan Irrigation Efficiency Program offers financial rebates to agricultural producers and other eligible entities who enhance their irrigation systems to save energy and water. This initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership aims to boost efficiency and sustainability in provincial agriculture.
Maximizing Agricultural Efficiency and Sustainability in Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Irrigation Efficiency Program is a strategic initiative designed to support the agricultural sector in improving irrigation systems. By aligning with the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, this program offers eligible applicants the opportunity to receive rebates on investments made towards enhancing the efficiency of their irrigation systems. With funding covering up to 30% of eligible costs and a cap of $50,000, this program targets long-term efficiency gains over a five-year project period from 2023 to 2028.Applicants include primary agricultural producers, First Nation Bands, and approved irrigation districts within Saskatchewan, all of whom are encouraged to demonstrate substantial gross farm incomes. The program requirements stipulate that projects must have started after October 1, 2022, and must exceed a minimum investment threshold to qualify for rebates.In terms of specific efficiencies, the program promotes the conversion of outdated, high-pressure irrigation mechanisms to advanced, low-pressure systems, along with other innovations such as electric or solar-powered pumps and soil moisture sensors. Activities ineligible for the rebate include routine maintenance, expansions, or modifications not directed towards higher efficiency gains—ensuring that funds are directed towards genuine, impactful technological upgrades.To participate, applicants must ensure that their projects comply with the Irrigation Act, 2019, including having required Water Rights Licenses and meeting specific acreage and irrigation requirements. Additionally, to ensure sustainable practices, applicants are mandated to review an Agri-Environmental Risk Assessment prior to commencing their projects.The program not only offers financial rebates but also encourages a broader adoption of energy-efficient technologies, thus potentially reducing operational costs and contributing to the province’s environmental sustainability objectives. Applicants are advised to carefully follow application procedures, including the provision of detailed financial evidence, and to engage with the Ministry of Agriculture for guidance, ensuring all criteria and assessments are diligently met.Overall, the Irrigation Efficiency Program represents a key opportunity for driving technological advancement and environmental responsibility in Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector. By aiding the transition to more sustainable irrigation practices, the program supports farm productivity while enhancing resource management—ultimately benefitting the ecological and economic landscapes of the region.
