Water Program — On-farm water supply
AB, Canada
Funding to enhance water management on Alberta farms
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
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a grant of up to $15,000 to cover up to 25% of the costs of standard incentive projects and up to $20,000 to cover up to 50% of the costs of special incentive projects for the period April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028.
grant_single_labels|projects
There are eligible projects and activities for this grant:
- On-farm irrigation system purchases
- On-farm irrigation system upgrades
- Dugouts
- Dams
- Spring developments
- Special incentive projects for On-Farm Water Supply Stream
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$12,500
Calgary
Purchase of new on-farm irrigation system to enhance water efficiency in Calgary.
$10,000
Vancouver
Upgrade of existing irrigation systems to conserve water and increase efficiency in Vancouver.
$17,500
Edmonton
Construction of a new dugout for enhanced water storage in Edmonton.
$9,000
Toronto
Installation of a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water supply in Toronto.
$7,500
Winnipeg
Development of a new spring to support livestock water needs in Winnipeg.
$10,000
Ottawa
Implementation of special water supply incentive project focusing on solar-powered irrigation in Ottawa.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for the Water Program grant are specific to both the On-Farm Irrigation Stream and the On-Farm Water Supply Stream. Applicants must be primary producers operating in Alberta and comply with various financial and operational requirements.
- Responsible for input costs or agricultural crops for livestock producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually.
- Not include a landlord whose only interest in the crop or livestock is that of ownership of the land.
- Eligible for 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.
- For On-Farm Irrigation Stream: own an irrigated agricultural operation in Alberta.
- For On-Farm Irrigation Stream: has not been previously approved for payment from the program for the same project type for the parcel described in the application.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Water Program under Sustainable CAP supports agricultural water management and is explicitly designed for primary producers operating in Alberta, including Indigenous businesses involved in agriculture and food sectors. The program is specifically aimed at those responsible for input costs or agricultural crops for livestock and producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually.
- Primary producers operating in Alberta
- Responsible for input costs or agricultural crops for livestock
- Producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually
- Liable to pay Alberta income tax or corporate tax on income from farm commodities
- Indigenous businesses in the agriculture and food sector
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Based on the grant context provided, there are no specific types of companies mentioned that are not eligible for this grant.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers a range of expenses related to the implementation and upgrading of on-farm irrigation systems, as well as on-farm water supply projects. Eligible projects can receive up to 50% funding for specified activities and equipment.
- On-farm irrigation system purchases – 50% eligible expenses (up to $17,500 per parcel)
- On-farm irrigation system upgrades – 50% eligible expenses (up to $6,000 per parcel)
- Special incentives for specific on-farm water supply projects
- Fifty percent cost-share for eligible expenses under the On-Farm Irrigation Stream
- Varied cost-share percentages for the On-Farm Water Supply Stream
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zone for this grant is Alberta, Canada. The grant is specifically for primary producers operating within this province.
- Alberta
grant_single_labels|criteria
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
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Check your eligibility
- Determine whether you are eligible by reviewing the Water Program Terms and Conditions.
- Confirm that the proposed activities are eligible. Eligible activities are listed in:
- On-Farm Irrigation Stream Funding List
- On-Farm Water Supply Stream Funding List
- Step 2: Complete application form
- Complete and sign the Water Program Application form.
- Step 3: Submit application form
- Submit the completed Application Form and supporting documents by email or mail:
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- Sustainable-CAP Water Program
- Natural Resource Innovation Section
- Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation
- Agriculture Centre
- 100, 5401 1 Avenue South
- Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4V6
- Fax: 403-381-5765
- Phone: 403-381-5532
- Sustainable-CAP Water Program
- Program Delivery Section
- Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation
- 7000 113 Street NW
- Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6
- Phone: 310-FARM (3276) Ask to speak to an Agriculture and Irrigation Water Specialist
- Step 4: What happens next
- If you email your application: you will be notified by email that your application has been received. If you do not receive an email confirmation, contact us by telephone.
- If you mail or fax your application: you will be notified by telephone or email that your application has been received.
- If your application is missing information: you will be notified by email or telephone and you will be asked to submit the missing information.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Water Program ensures funding through specific streams for irrigation and water supply projects. Potential applicants should carefully consider the eligibility criteria and necessary documentation before applying.
- Ineligible expenses incurred before April 1, 2023, will not be reimbursed.
- Applicants must provide proof of 10% down payment for On-Farm Irrigation Stream eligible expenses.
- Applicants for the On-Farm Water Supply Stream must submit the construction sheet approved by an Agriculture and Irrigation Water Specialist before planning and construction.
- For certain water projects, proof of application for a water licence from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas may be required.
- Applicants must be primary producers responsible for at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually.
- Invoices must be under the applicant's legal name and dated after April 1, 2023.
- The maximum funding per applicant for the On-Farm Water Supply Stream is $40,000 for the period April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028.
grant_single_labels|contact
403-381-5532
Apply to this program
Water Program for Agricultural Producers in Alberta
The Water Program provides vital funding to help Alberta's primary producers enhance agricultural water management practices through two streams: On-Farm Irrigation and On-Farm Water Supply. By supporting projects that promote water efficiency and quality, the program aims to address climate variability and optimize water resource usage.
Comprehensive Guide to Alberta's Water Program for Agricultural Producers
The agricultural sector in Alberta is a cornerstone of the province's economy, crucial for food production, jobs, and rural community sustainability. Recognizing the challenges farmers face due to water supply variability and climate change, the Government of Alberta has introduced the Water Program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). This funding initiative aims to promote sustainable agricultural water management practices. Here, we delve into the ins and outs of the Water Program, offering an in-depth explanation of grant opportunities, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.
Program Overview
The Water Program is designed to support agricultural water management by aiding primary producers in Alberta to adopt efficient and sustainable water practices. The program encompasses two major streams:
- On-Farm Irrigation Stream: This stream focuses on helping producers purchase or upgrade irrigation systems to enhance water efficiency.
- On-Farm Water Supply Stream: This stream supports projects related to dugouts, dams, and spring developments to ensure reliable on-farm water sources.
Funding Details
Eligible projects under each stream are subject to specific funding limits and cost-sharing arrangements. The funding allocations are as follows:
On-Farm Irrigation Stream
- Irrigation System Purchases: Up to 50% of eligible expenses can be reimbursed, with a maximum of $17,500 per parcel.
- Irrigation System Upgrades: Up to 50% of eligible expenses can be reimbursed, with a maximum of $6,000 per parcel.
- An applicant may receive up to $35,000 per fiscal year under this stream.
On-Farm Water Supply Stream
There are varied maximums for different types of projects under this stream, and the overall funding cap is $40,000 per applicant from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028. This stream also involves two types of incentives:
- Standard Incentives: Up to 50% cost-share on eligible expenses.
- Special Incentives: Project-specific varied incentives depending on the type and scope of the project.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for funding, applicants must meet certain criteria under each stream.
On-Farm Irrigation Stream
- The applicant must be a primary producer operating in Alberta, responsible for the input costs or agricultural crops for livestock producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually. Landlords alone are not eligible.
- The applicant must own an irrigated agricultural operation in Alberta and must not have been previously approved for funding for the same project type for the applicable parcel.
On-Farm Water Supply Stream
- The applicant must be a primary producer responsible for the input costs or agricultural crops for livestock, producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually.
- The applicant must be liable to pay Alberta income tax or corporate tax, or claim losses on income from farm commodities production under the Income Tax Act (Canada) or the Alberta Corporate Tax Act.
Both streams are also open to Indigenous applicants, acknowledging their unique regulatory, operational, cultural, and business circumstances. For guidance related to application processes or eligibility requirements, Indigenous applicants are encouraged to contact the program staff.
Eligible Activities
The program details various eligible activities under each stream to ensure funds are appropriately utilized for enhancing water management practices.
On-Farm Irrigation Stream
Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- Purchasing new irrigation systems
- Upgrading existing irrigation systems to improve water efficiency
On-Farm Water Supply Stream
Projects can include, but are not limited to:
- Construction of dugouts and dams
- Development of springs
For dugouts, dams, and spring developments, applicants must consult an Agriculture and Irrigation Water Specialist to receive an approved Construction Sheet prior to planning and construction to ensure compliance with legislative and program requirements.
Application Process
Applying for the Water Program funding involves multiple steps to ensure all eligibility criteria and project requirements are met.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Review the Water Program Terms and Conditions.
- Confirm that the proposed activities are listed as eligible in the On-Farm Irrigation Stream Funding List or the On-Farm Water Supply Stream Funding List.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
- Fill out and sign the Water Program Application form
Step 3: Submit the Application Form
Applicants can choose to submit their completed application and supporting documents by email or mail:
Email:
On-Farm Irrigation Stream: s[email protected]
On-Farm Water Supply Stream: [email protected]
Mail:
Sustainable-CAP Water Program
Natural Resource Innovation Section
Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation
Agriculture Centre
100, 5401 1 Avenue South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4V6
Fax: 403-381-5765
Verification and Communication
- If submitting by email, you will receive an email confirmation upon receipt.
- If submitting by mail or fax, notification will be through telephone or email.
- If any information is missing, you will be notified and asked to provide the necessary details.
Reimbursement Requirements
For successful reimbursement, specific requirements need to be met depending on the stream:
On-Farm Irrigation Stream
- Provide proof of a 10% down payment for all eligible expenses
- The proof of payment must be under the Legal Name (or Company Name) on your application and other supporting documents.
On-Farm Water Supply Stream
- Provide proof of full payment for all invoices
- The proof of payment must be under the Legal Name or Company Name on your application.
Important Considerations
Notably, the program has limited funding each fiscal year. As a result, submission of a completed application does not guarantee approval or payment under the program. It is essential to ensure all expenses are dated after April 1, 2023, since expenses before this date are ineligible.
Conclusion
The Water Program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a significant initiative designed to assist Alberta's primary producers in adopting sustainable water management practices. By addressing water quality and supply risks and promoting efficient water resource usage, the program aims to reduce the impact of climate variability on agricultural operations. With clearly defined funding streams, eligibility criteria, and a structured application process, the Water Program offers substantial support to enhance the resiliency and sustainability of Alberta's agricultural sector. For further inquiries or guidance, applicants are encouraged to reach out to program staff or visit the relevant web pages for additional resources.
