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Water Program — On-farm irrigation stream
Funding to enhance water management on Alberta farms
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 35
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
Get a grant of up to $15,000 per parcel to cover up to 25% of the costs of purchasing a new on-farm irrigation system, and up to $5,000 per parcel for on-farm irrigation system upgrades. The maximum grant for on-farm irrigation projects is $30,000 per app
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 35 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- $ 25,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
This grant supports agricultural water management projects to improve irrigation practices and enhance water efficiency. Eligible activities focus on upgrading and purchasing on-farm irrigation systems and infrastructure improvements.
- Purchase of on-farm irrigation systems eligible for funding up to 50% of expenses.
- Upgrading existing on-farm irrigation systems with potential funding covering 50% of expenses.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants for the Water Program in Alberta include primary producers who meet certain criteria:1. On-Farm Irrigation Stream: - Must be a primary producer operating in Alberta. - Responsible for input costs or agriculture crops/livestock producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually. - Cannot be a landlord with interest solely in land ownership. - Must own an irrigated agricultural operation in Alberta. - Must not have been previously approved for the same project type for the same parcel.2. On-Farm Water Supply Stream: - Must be a primary producer responsible for input costs or agriculture crops/livestock producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually, excluding landlords whose interest is only the land. - Must be liable to pay Alberta income tax or corporate tax (or claim losses) on income from farm commodity production.3. Indigenous Applicants: - Indigenous businesses in the agriculture and food sector with distinct characteristics are also eligible and may receive dedicated support to navigate the program requirements.Who is not eligible
The grant eligibility criteria focus on primary producers in Alberta, operating within specific agricultural sectors. Specific exclusions are not overtly stated, but there are inherent restrictions based on the nature of the primary activity.
- Only primary producers with agricultural operations are considered eligible.
- Companies that do not manage input costs for at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities per year are not eligible.
- Landlords who solely own the land without involvement in crop or livestock production are excluded.
- Entities not involved in farm commodity production liable to pay taxes under the Income Tax Act or Alberta Corporate Tax Act do not qualify.
Eligible expenses
Eligible activities for this grant program focus on enhancing water management practices on farms through the adoption of improved irrigation and water supply systems. These efforts align with managing water quality risks and adapting to climate variability.
- Purchases for on-farm irrigation systems.
- Upgrades to existing on-farm irrigation systems.
- Development of dugouts, dams, and springs.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is specifically available to primary producers operating in Alberta, Canada. It is designed to support agricultural water management improvements within this region.
- Producers with agricultural operations located in Alberta, Canada.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Applicants must receive an approved Construction Sheet for dugouts, dams, and spring developments before planning and construction.
- Proof of application for water license or amendment may be required.
- Invoices must be under the Legal Name stated on the application.
- All expenses prior to April 1, 2023, are considered ineligible for reimbursement.
- Only projects compliant with applicable federal and provincial legislation will be funded.
- Limited funding means grant approval is not guaranteed, and applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Potential applicants are encouraged to speak directly with an Agriculture and Irrigation Water Specialist for guidance.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Water Program — On-farm irrigation stream Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Water Program — On-farm irrigation stream. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Water Program — On-farm irrigation stream?
Get a grant of up to $15,000 per parcel to cover up to 25% of the costs of purchasing a new on-farm irrigation system, and up to $5,000 per parcel for on-farm irrigation system upgrades. The maximum grant for on-farm irrigation projects is $30,000 per app
How much funding can be received?
Water Program — On-farm irrigation stream Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $35 per project.
Who is eligible for the Water Program — On-farm irrigation stream program?
To be eligible for the Water Program — On-farm irrigation stream program, you must:
An applicant must be a primary producer operating in Alberta responsible for input costs or agricultural crops for livestock producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually.
The applicant must own an irrigated agricultural operation in Alberta.
The applicant must not have been previously approved for payment from the program for the same project type for the parcel described in the application.
What expenses are eligible under Water Program — On-farm irrigation stream?
This grant supports agricultural water management projects to improve irrigation practices and enhance water efficiency. Eligible activities focus on upgrading and purchasing on-farm irrigation systems and infrastructure improvements. Purchase of on-farm irrigation systems eligible for funding up to 50% of expenses.
Upgrading existing on-farm irrigation systems with potential funding covering 50% of expenses.
Who can I contact for more information about the Water Program — On-farm irrigation stream?
You can contact Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) or by phone at 403-381-5532.
Where is the Water Program — On-farm irrigation stream available?
The Water Program — On-farm irrigation stream program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Water Program — On-farm irrigation stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Water Program — On-farm irrigation stream is a Grant and Funding
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