RDAR — Producer Research and Evaluation Program
AB, Canada
Apply for the Producer Research and Evaluation Program to innovate on-farm practices with up to $20,000 in funding!
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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
Eligible projects or activities for this grant include on-farm research trials and evaluation that support the evaluation of production practices or technologies within unique farm conditions.
- On-farm research trials and evaluation with sufficient data collection to evaluate the impact of the production practice or technology tested within the project
- Testing or evaluating emerging technology and/or farming practices
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$16,000
Vancouver
Evaluating the efficiency of drip irrigation on vegetable crops
$17,600
Toronto
Assessing new hydroponic systems for leafy greens
$15,200
Kelowna
Testing organic pest control methods on apple orchards
$14,800
Winnipeg
Evaluating the impact of biochar soil amendments on wheat productivity
$17,600
Halifax
Testing automated milking systems for improved dairy efficiency
$14,400
Edmonton
Trialing solar-powered fencing to enhance livestock management
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant include requirements related to the applicant's location, farm management responsibilities, and annual farm cash receipts, among others.
- Operating in Alberta
- Responsible for input costs for a crop or livestock operation that produces at least $25,000 in annual farm cash receipts
- Responsible for the day-to-day management and work on the farm
- Organizations must be in good standing and not in default under any other agreements or programs with RDAR
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the PREP program are primary producers responsible for the day-to-day management and working on the farm, which produces at least $25,000 in annual farm cash receipts and operates in Alberta. They must not be landlords whose only interest in the crop or livestock operation is ownership of the land.
- Primary producers in Alberta
- Responsible for input costs for a crop or livestock operation
- Produces at least $25,000 in annual farm cash receipts
- Responsible for day-to-day management and work on the farm
- Not landlords whose only interest is land ownership
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant.
- 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_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zone for this grant is Alberta.
- Operating in Alberta
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, the grant includes evaluation and selection criteria. Proposals will be assessed on their alignment with the program's purpose and other measurable and verifiable impacts that can benefit Alberta producers.
- 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 through your internet browser. Click the "Register" button.
- 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: Please note, it is important to add your corporation name (if applicable) in your contact information if you are planning to use your corporation name on receipts, invoices and proof of payments.
- Step 4: Verify your ARGO email and password: Once you have received your ARGO login email and created a password for your account, login to your account. At the top of the page, select “Funding Opportunities”. Next, select “Apply Now” for the “Producer Research and Evaluation Program - PREP” from the list. On the next page, click “Proceed”.
- Step 5: Complete and submit your application: Work to complete the PREP application questions. When finished, please submit your application.
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
Summary of the Producer Research and Evaluation Program (PREP) Grant
The Producer Research and Evaluation Program (PREP) provides up to $20,000 per project for on-farm research aimed at assessing new emerging technologies, production practices, or products. This program focuses on projects that can support decision-making with data to enhance farm profitability, competitiveness, and sustainability.
Deep Dive into the Producer Research and Evaluation Program (PREP) Grant
The Producer Research and Evaluation Program (PREP) is a targeted initiative designed to support primary producers in Alberta through funding opportunities for in-depth on-farm research. The program, offered by RDAR (Results Driven Agricultural Research), empowers producers to explore and evaluate emerging technologies, production practices, and products. Here’s an in-depth look at the specifics of the PREP grant, designed to ensure you understand eligibility, application procedures, and the benefits of participating in this transformative program.
Program Objectives
The primary aim of the PREP program is to provide financial support to primary producers in Alberta for on-farm research projects. These projects allow producers to: - Test and validate new and emerging technologies. - Assess the feasibility and impact of innovative production practices. - Collect data to make informed decisions that enhance farm profitability, competitiveness, and sustainability. - Encourage adoption of beneficial innovations by demonstrating real-world returns on investment and favorable changes through on-farm research trials.
Key Features and Funding Details
The PREP program offers a total funding pool of $1,000,000, with each individual project eligible for up to $20,000. Notably, the grant is structured as an 80% grant and 20% cost-sharing requirement with the eligible applicant. This allocation allows producers to engage in significant research without bearing the full financial burden. Eligible expenses include: - Costs associated with third-party service providers such as agronomists, veterinarians, professional agrologists, certified crop advisors, and technical consultants. - Cost of materials, supplies, and equipment rentals directly required for the project, with a maximum allowable expense of $10,000 per project.
Eligible Applicants
To be eligible for the PREP program, applicants must meet specific criteria: - They must operate in Alberta. - They should be responsible for input costs for a crop or livestock operation that generates at least $25,000 in annual farm cash receipts. - They must manage the day-to-day operations and work on the farm. Landlords with mere ownership interest in the land do not qualify. Eligible applicants must also ensure they are not in default under any other agreements or programs with RDAR.
Eligible Activities
The program focuses on activities that include on-farm research trials and evaluations, particularly those that gather sufficient data to assess the impact of the production practice or technology being tested. Additionally, it supports the testing and evaluation of emerging technologies and farming practices.
Ineligible Expenses
Certain expenses are not covered under the PREP program: - Equipment eligible under Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation's Farm Technology Program, Water Program, Efficient Grain Handling Program, and Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program. - Implementation of beneficial management practices currently supported through the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF). - Taxes like Goods and Service Tax (GST), Provincial Sales Tax (PST), and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). - In-kind contributions. - Costs incurred outside the project term.
Proposal Evaluation Criteria
Proposals submitted under the PREP program are evaluated based on several criteria: - Alignment with the program's purpose. - A research question that provides a measurable, reportable, and verifiable outcome or impact to inform the applicant and other Alberta producers. - The project's emergent and potential nature. - Achievability and appropriateness of project timelines. - The innovation's adoption potential by other producers. - Opportunities for the proposal results to be presented to other producers. - Clarity and justification of budget items.
Application Process
The application process for the PREP program is structured to be user-friendly, providing multiple support avenues throughout. 1. **Visit ARGO:** Applicants start by visiting ARGO (Agriculture Research Grant Organizer), RDAR’s grant management system, and register by clicking the "Register" button. 2. **Register for the PREP Program:** Select the “Producer Research and Evaluation Program - PREP” registration option. 3. **Fill Out Contact Information:** It's vital to add your corporation name (if applicable) in your contact information. This is important because all receipts, invoices, and proof of payments must match the legal entity/organization name under which the application is submitted. 4. **Verify Email and Password:** Upon receiving the ARGO login email and creating a password, log in to your account, select “Funding Opportunities,” and then “Apply Now” for the “Producer Research and Evaluation Program - PREP.” 5. **Complete and Submit the Application:** Complete the application questions and submit. Detailed information on proposal requirements ensures that eligible activities, estimated budgets, and project aims are clearly laid out to meet evaluation criteria.
Common Questions and Assistance
RDAR provides comprehensive support for applicants through multiple channels. If any questions arise about the PREP Program or application process, applicants are encouraged to reach out to RDAR at PREP@rdar.ca. Additionally, the program guidelines contain full details of eligible and ineligible expenses/activities and should be thoroughly reviewed before applying.
Acknowledgment Requirements
For projects funded by RDAR, contributors must acknowledge RDAR's funding on appropriate signs, stickers, posters, publications, and press releases. Permission to use RDAR's name and logo will be granted, provided the usage complies with RDAR's Grant Communications Guide.
Conclusion
The Producer Research and Evaluation Program (PREP) by RDAR presents a valuable opportunity for Alberta producers to engage in on-farm research that can steer the future of their farming practices. By providing significant financial support and encouraging the exploration of innovative technologies and production methods, the PREP program helps Alberta's agricultural sector remain competitive and sustainable. Engaging in this program not only aids in honing operational practices based on data-driven insights but also fosters a wider community of informed, resilient producers willing to adapt and thrive in an evolving agricultural landscape.
