How much funding can be received?

The Producer Research and Evaluation Program (PREP) offers funding to support on-farm research, allowing producers to evaluate emerging technologies, products, and production practices within unique farm conditions to enhance profitability, competitiveness, and sustainability. Eligible activities include on-farm research trials and evaluations that gather sufficient data to assess the impact of new production practices or technologies. Each project can receive up to $20,000, with the funding covering up to 80% of the eligible expenses.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is available to primary producers operating within a specific geographical area as determined by the funding body. The eligible location is aimed at supporting regional agricultural development and innovation.

Operating in Alberta.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$15,200

Testing organic pest control methods on apple orchards

$16,000

Evaluating the efficiency of drip irrigation on vegetable crops

$17,600

Assessing new hydroponic systems for leafy greens

$14,800

Evaluating the impact of biochar soil amendments on wheat productivity

$17,600

Testing automated milking systems for improved dairy efficiency

$14,400

Trialing solar-powered fencing to enhance livestock management

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is contingent upon specific criteria related to the applicant's farming operations and management responsibilities.

Applicants must be primary producers operating in Alberta.
Applicants must be responsible for input costs for an operation producing at least $25,000 in annual farm cash receipts.
Applicants must be responsible for day-to-day management and work on the farm.
Applicants must not be landlords solely owning the land without active management or operation involvement.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible applicants for the Producer Research and Evaluation Program must meet specific criteria to be considered for funding.

Primary producers operating in Alberta.
Responsible for input costs for a crop or livestock operation generating at least $25,000 in annual farm cash receipts.
Responsible for the day-to-day management and work on the farm, excluding landlords with only ownership interest in the land.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant is specifically targeted to primary producers in Alberta with certain operational criteria. Restrictions exclude certain entities to maintain focus on entities actively involved in on-farm operations.

Landlords whose only interest is ownership of the land and not involved in active farming operations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Producer Research and Evaluation Program (PREP) supports on-farm research initiatives that aim to evaluate emerging technologies and practices. These projects are designed to help producers make informed decisions by collecting sufficient data on the feasibility and impact of new production strategies.

On-farm research trials that include adequate data collection to assess the impact of the production practice or technology tested within the project.
Testing or evaluating emerging technology and farming practices.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers expenses related to third-party services and necessary project materials and supplies.

Costs associated with third-party service providers, agronomists, veterinarians, professional agrologists, certified crop advisors, and technical consultants.
Cost of materials, supplies, and equipment rentals directly required for the project (maximum of $10,000 per project).

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant focus on alignment with the program's objectives, measurable results, and potential for broader adoption.

Alignment with the purpose of the Program.
The project answers a research question with a measurable, reportable, and verifiable outcome or impact to inform the Applicant, and other Alberta producers.
The emergent and potential nature of the project.
The project timelines are achievable and appropriate.
Adoption potential of the innovation by other producers.
The opportunity for the proposal results to be presented to other producers.
Budget items are clear and justified.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Visit ARGO
- Go to the ARGO web page using your internet browser.
- Click the "Register" button if you are a new user.
Step 2: Register for the PREP Program
- Select the “Producer Research and Evaluation Program - PREP” registration option.
Step 3: Fill out the PREP Contact Information Page
- Add your corporation name (if applicable) in your contact information for proper documentation of receipts and invoices.
Step 4: Verify Your ARGO Email and Password
- After receiving your ARGO login email, create a password for your account.
- Log in to your account and select “Funding Opportunities” at the top of the page.
- Select “Apply Now” for the “Producer Research and Evaluation Program - PREP” from the list and click “Proceed.”
Step 5: Complete and Submit Your Application
- Complete the PREP application questions thoroughly.
- Submit your completed application via the ARGO system.
Step 6: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive an automated confirmation email to verify your application submission.
- Keep the confirmation for your records.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are some additional miscellaneous details about the grant:

Applications must include a budget with clear and justified items.
Funding cannot overlap with the cost-share requirements of other Sustainable CAP programs.
All receipts, invoices, and proof of payments must match the applicant's legal entity/organization name.
RDAR's contribution to the project must be acknowledged according to the Grant Communications Guide.
The program includes a video tutorial available on YouTube for application guidance.

grant_single_labels|contact

PREP@rdar.ca

Apply to this program

Empower Your Farm With Cutting-Edge Research

The Producer Research and Evaluation Program (PREP) offers up to $20,000 in funding for on-farm research projects that help farmers evaluate and integrate innovative farming technologies and practices. With a total investment of $1 million in 2024, PREP empowers Alberta’s primary producers to achieve greater profitability, competitiveness, and sustainability.

Unlocking Innovation in Alberta's Agricultural Industry Through PREP

The Producer Research and Evaluation Program (PREP) stands as a pivotal initiative designed to empower Alberta’s primary producers by providing them with the resources needed to integrate and test new technologies and farming methods right on their farms. With funding capped at $1 million for the year 2024, this program is a beacon for innovation, allowing producers to enhance their agricultural practices substantially. By offering up to $20,000 per project, PREP enables the conduction of comprehensive on-farm research trials, which are crucial for understanding the feasibility and economic viability of new agricultural practices in real-world settings.

This program specifically targets Alberta-based primary producers who are directly involved in managing day-to-day farm operations and bear the costs associated with producing a minimum of $25,000 in yearly farm cash receipts. These stringent requirements ensure that the funds go to those who can truly benefit from the program’s objectives, which are to propel profitability, competitiveness, and sustainable farming practices across the region.

Eligible projects within the PREP framework are meticulously designed to support producers in evaluating the potential for new technologies and practices before full adoption. By collaborating with third-party service providers such as agronomists, veterinarians, or technical consultants, producers can achieve a thorough and unbiased evaluation of innovative solutions. These partnerships enhance the credibility and depth of research findings, ensuring that resulting data is robust and actionable. The allowance to fund associated third-party expenses up to $10,000 out of the total project cost makes it financially feasible for producers to access expertise they might otherwise find challenging to incorporate.

Moreover, the funding model of PREP is strategically crafted to encourage participant financial involvement by requiring a cost-share arrangement—where up to 80% of invoiced project expenses are covered through the grant, with producers contributing the remaining 20%. This not only ensures the efficient use of available resources but also instils a sense of ownership and responsibility in the project execution.

A significant aspect of PREP is the evaluation and reporting process. Proposals are rigorously assessed to ensure alignment with the program's goals and the potential for meaningful outcomes that can benefit other producers in Alberta. Projects must clearly articulate their research questions and projected impacts, demonstrating measurable outcomes. This approach not only highlights the transformative potential of the funded projects but also facilitates knowledge sharing and adoption of successful practices among broader farming communities.

Successful applicants are expected to acknowledge the funding received from RDAR (Results Driven Agriculture Research) in public domains, thereby promoting transparency and fostered connections within the agricultural community. The grant's flexible nature allows producers to adapt projects as new challenges and opportunities emerge, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone in fostering a resilient and forward-thinking agricultural industry in Alberta.

The PREP initiative is more than just a funding opportunity; it is a significant investment in the future sustainability and competitiveness of Alberta's agriculture. By supporting real-time research and facilitating the adoption of new technologies and methods, the program not only aids producers today but also strategically positions them to tackle future challenges with enhanced resilience and adaptability. This program represents a critical step towards ensuring that Alberta remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation, sustainable practices, and global competitiveness. The comprehensive data generated through this program serves as a decision-making tool that not only assists the individual producer but also contributes to a collective knowledge base that can drive the entire industry forward."