Water Program — On-farm water supply

This grant provides financial support to primary producers for on-farm water management projects with specific cost-sharing and funding limits. The modalities are structured to assist in the efficient management and use of water resources.

• Co-financing of up to 50% for eligible expenses under both On-Farm Irrigation Stream and On-Farm Water Supply Stream projects.
• Maximum funding of $35,000 per fiscal year for On-Farm Irrigation Stream projects, with specific limits on purchases and upgrades per parcel.
• Maximum funding of $40,000 per applicant for On-Farm Water Supply Stream projects from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028.
• Standard and special incentives are applied to On-Farm Water Supply Stream projects, varying by project specifics.

Eligibility for this grant requires the applicant to meet certain criteria based on their role as primary producers and their operational specifics.

• The applicant must be a primary producer operating in Alberta.
• The applicant must be responsible for input costs or agricultural crops for livestock producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually.
• The applicant cannot be a landlord whose only interest is ownership of the land.
• For the On-Farm Irrigation Stream, the applicant must own an irrigated agricultural operation in Alberta.
• For the On-Farm Irrigation Stream, 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.
• For the On-Farm Water Supply Stream, the applicant must be liable to pay Alberta income tax or corporate tax (or claim losses) on income from the production of farm commodities under the Income Tax Act (Canada) or the Alberta Corporate Tax Act.

Who is eligible?

Eligible expenses

The Water Program in Alberta supports projects that focus on improving agricultural water management practices. These activities are designed to mitigate risks to water quality, efficiently use water resources, and adapt to climate variability.

• On-Farm Irrigation System Purchases at 50% of eligible expenses, up to $17,500 per parcel.
• On-Farm Irrigation System Upgrades at 50% of eligible expenses, up to $6,000 per parcel.
• Development of On-Farm Water Supply systems, such as dugouts, dams, and springs, following consultations with Agriculture and Irrigation Water Specialists.
• Projects that have received confirmation through a Construction Sheet that they meet legislative and program requirements.
• Any project requiring proof of application for a water licence from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to primary producers operating specifically within the province of Alberta, Canada. This geographical focus targets the region for better water management practices in agriculture.

• Alberta

The grant will evaluate applications based on specific eligibility criteria associated with the funding streams, and the selection process will consider the projects' alignment with legislative and program requirements, focusing on eligible activities and budget constraints.

• Eligibility of the applicant as a primary producer operating in Alberta
• Responsibility for input costs or agricultural crops for livestock producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually
• Ownership of an irrigated agricultural operation in Alberta (for On-Farm Irrigation Stream)
• Liability to pay Alberta income tax or corporate tax on income from farm commodities (for On-Farm Water Supply Stream)
• No previous approval for payment from the program for the same project type for the parcel described in the application
• Approval from an Agriculture and Irrigation Water Specialist for dugouts, dams, and spring developments
• Proof of application for water license (or amendment) from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas for some projects
• Compliance with all applicable federal and provincial legislation
• Submission of a completed application form with supporting documents
• Adherence to program funding constraints and eligibility criteria

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• Submission of a completed application does not guarantee funding.
• Proof of application for a water licence or amendment may be required.
• Invoices must be under the Legal Name on your application and dated after April 1, 2023.
• There is no guarantee of reimbursement if the application is not approved.
• Contact with appropriate agencies must be initiated prior to project start.
• Applicants must provide proof of payment or 10% down payment for eligible expenses.
• Agriculture and Irrigation Water Specialist approval is required for certain projects.
• Funding is limited and considered on a case-by-case basis.