How much funding can be received?

The Irrigation Targeted Call for Proposals aims to support research in Alberta that enhances irrigation efficiency, improves livestock and crop productivity, and promotes environmental stewardship. The program invites eligible applicants, including marketing boards, educational institutions, and for-profit companies, to submit projects that demonstrate economic benefit, technological advancement, and sustainability within the province's agriculture sector. Projects should focus on activities such as developing new irrigation technologies, improving crop management, and ensuring responsible water use.

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This grant opportunity specifically targets applications from Alberta or those projects that benefit Alberta’s agricultural sectors. Eligible companies must, therefore, be based in Alberta or directly contribute to the province's agriculture, ensuring alignment with regional priorities.

Companies and organizations based in Alberta.
Projects that provide benefits to Alberta’s agricultural producers.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$200,000

Adaptation of surface drip irrigation systems for organic farms

$300,000

Evaluating economic impacts of invasive species on irrigation systems

$320,000

Developing new marketable crops with irrigated production potential

$400,000

Developing AI-driven irrigation systems to optimize water use

$230,000

Best management practices for feedlot water reservoirs to maintain animal health

$250,000

Implementing variable rate irrigation technology to enhance crop yield

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The Irrigation Targeted Call grant eligibility requires applicants to meet specific criteria related to their involvement in the Alberta livestock or crop industry.

Applicants must be qualified organizations directly or indirectly participating in service and development in Alberta's livestock or crop industry.
Organizations must be in good standing and not in default under any agreements or programs with RDAR.
Eligible applicants include:
- Marketing boards and commissions established under the Marketing of Agriculture Products Act.
- Educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and technical schools.
- Government organizations and agencies.
- Incorporated not-for-profit agricultural associations representing Alberta's agriculture producers.
- For-profit companies operating in Alberta contributing to research benefitting Alberta's crop and livestock producers.
The research may occur within or outside Alberta, provided at least one team member is in Alberta, and benefits are returned to Alberta's producers.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Funding through the Irrigation Targeted Call for Proposals is available to qualified applicants directly or indirectly participating in the development of Alberta's livestock or crop industry. Eligible organizations must be in good standing with no defaults under other RDAR agreements or programs. Entities eligible to apply include:- Marketing boards and commissions established under the Marketing of Agriculture Products Act.- Educational institutions such as universities, colleges, and technical schools.- Government organizations and agencies.- Incorporated not-for-profit agricultural associations representing Alberta's agriculture producers.- For-profit companies operating in Alberta and contributing to research that benefits Alberta's crop and livestock producers.Additionally, the research should take place within or outside Alberta as long as at least one project team member is based in Alberta, and the benefits accrue to Alberta's producers.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant opportunity is open to a wide range of eligible organizations; however, there are certain restrictions based on the nature of activities or the stage of development the projects are aligned with.

Companies focusing on the commercialization of new technologies beyond pilot studies.
Entities engaging in marketing activities not related to specific research objectives.
Organizations conducting private research and development without broader community or industry impact.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Irrigation Targeted Call for Proposals seeks innovative projects that enhance irrigation technology, improve agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable environmental practices. Eligible activities focus on research, development, and analysis tailored to the unique needs of Alberta's agricultural sectors.

Increase yield, quality, and efficiency of nutrient and water use for irrigated forages supporting the cattle feeding industry.
Develop best management practices for feedlot water reservoirs to maintain water quality and animal health.
Explore practices for capturing runoff from feedlots for irrigation reuse if economically viable.
Develop or improve practices supporting new, marketable, irrigated crops with value-added potential in Alberta.
Support genetic improvements for yield, quality, agronomy, and water use efficiency in irrigated crops with significant value-added potential.
Conduct agronomic studies and pest control analyses for irrigated crops.
Adapt new cropping options for production under irrigation to diversify crop rotations and improve system management.
Engage in forecasting and modelling to predict future on-stream storage needs.
Use predictive analysis to optimize water application timings and volumes based on crop needs and water availability.
Develop and test products and technologies to enhance water use efficiency and farm profitability, including drip systems and variable rate irrigation technology.
Control invasive algae within irrigation systems and improve filtration technologies at the farm level.
Utilize sensor data for predictive modelling to manage water allocation based on crop conditions.
Explore AI and machine learning applications for optimizing water management practices.
Evaluate economic and environmental impacts of invasive species, working to increase public awareness and control methods.
Assess alternative energy sources for irrigation applications to power infrastructure sustainably.
Research alternative strategies for managing and controlling invasive species and weeds related to irrigation infrastructure.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

Eligible expenses for this grant include those that are directly related to the execution of the project, including a portion of indirect overhead expenses.

Direct expenses related to project execution.
15% of indirect overhead expenses.

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The selection of projects under the Irrigation Targeted Call for Proposals involves several criteria to ensure that each project aligns with the program’s objectives and offers measurable benefits to Alberta's agricultural sector.

Alignment to priorities and benefits outlined in the priorities.
Projects demonstrate measurable, reportable and verifiable impact on the target producer group.
The uniqueness of the project relative to other irrigation projects underway.
Project timelines are achievable and appropriate.
Adoption / commercialization potential of the project's result.
Budget items are clear and justified.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to apply for this grant:

Step 1: Prepare Letter of Intent (LOI)
- Review all eligibility requirements and priority areas for the program.
- Prepare a Letter of Intent that outlines your proposed research project's alignment with the program goals.
- Ensure potential benefits to Alberta producers are clearly articulated.
Step 2: Submit LOI via ARGO
- Create an account or log into the Agriculture Research Grant Organizer (ARGO) system at rdar.smartsimple.ca.
- Select ‘Targeted Call for Irrigation’ within the ARGO system.
- Submit the prepared Letter of Intent before the intake deadline.
Step 3: Await LOI Review
- Await the review of your submitted LOI by RDAR.
- Prepare any additional information if requested for the evaluation.
Step 4: Invitation for Full Proposal
- If the LOI is approved, await an invitation to submit a full proposal.
- Follow instructions provided by RDAR for the preparation of a full proposal.
Step 5: Full Proposal Submission
- Prepare a detailed full proposal with objectives, methodologies, budget, and extension plans.
- Submit the full proposal via ARGO, ensuring all criteria are met and documents are attached.
- Confirm submission through the system and retain any confirmation for records.
Step 6: Confirmation and Feedback
- Receive feedback from RDAR on the status of the full proposal.
- Participate in any follow-up processes if required.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Applicants will be required to submit detailed interim reports and financial statements, as well as a final report and financial statements. Funding from RDAR must be acknowledged on appropriate signs, posters, and publications dealing with the project.

Applicants must submit reports online through ARGO at rdar.smartsimple.ca.
RDAR's name and logo must comply with their Grant Communications Guide.
Successful projects can receive funding up to $500,000 for capital expenses.

grant_single_labels|contact

research@rdar.ca

Apply to this program

Driving Agricultural Advancement through Irrigation Research Funding

The Irrigation Targeted Call for Proposals offers a unique funding opportunity for researchers focused on enhancing Alberta's agriculture through strategic irrigation initiatives. With significant contributions to the province's GDP and employment, the grant supports innovations in productivity, efficiency, and environmental stewardship within the irrigation sector.

Exploring the Grant's Impact and Opportunities

This grant is instrumental in promoting the sustainable development of Alberta's agricultural industry, leveraging the power of advanced irrigation practices to foster progress in livestock and crop sectors. The Irrigation Targeted Call is particularly valuable because it addresses the pressing need for increased productivity, efficiency, and environmental stewardship through targeted research and innovation.

By funding projects that boost productivity, this grant aims to enhance the yield, quality, and efficiency of water and nutrient use in irrigated crops and forages critical to Alberta's cattle feeding industry. Researchers are encouraged to explore best management practices for maintaining animal health via water reservoir quality, as well as the potential to reuse runoff from feedlots as a viable irrigation resource. Furthermore, the grant emphasizes genetic improvements and agronomy practices that can bolster the production of marketable and niche irrigated crops, thus expanding Alberta's agricultural portfolio.

The grant also sets a priority on improving efficiencies within the irrigation sector. Funding is available for the development of cutting-edge technologies and products aimed at enhancing water use efficiency and farm profitability. These include innovative solutions like surface and subsurface drip systems, variable rate irrigation technologies, and decision support systems powered by long-term data. Efforts to mitigate the impact of invasive algae within irrigation systems and the enhancement of filtration technologies for algae and silt management are also encouraged. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into water management practices offers promising avenues to optimize agricultural outputs.

Environmental stewardship remains a core objective under this grant, with research geared towards evaluating the economic and environmental influence of invasive species and exploring alternative energy sources for irrigation applications. By addressing water supply variability and developing sustainable strategies to manage infrastructure-related invasive species, projects funded by this grant contribute to a balanced approach that respects ecosystem sustainability while advancing agricultural interests.

Funding is also structured to encourage collaborative efforts between various stakeholders, including marketing boards, educational institutions, government entities, not-for-profit associations, and for-profit companies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to research and development. Successful applicants must demonstrate a clear extension plan to ensure the dissemination of research findings to producers and value chain stakeholders, thereby maximizing the practical impact of the funded projects.

Overall, this grant not only provides financial support but also represents a commitment to sustainable agricultural innovation, recognizing the role that effective irrigation plays in shaping a productive, efficient, and environmentally responsible agricultural sector in Alberta. By participating in this program, researchers can contribute substantially to the future of agriculture, making a significant and positive impact on the economic and ecological landscapes.