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|openingDateApril 03, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Alberta
- 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
The grant is open to primary producers operating within a specific region, focusing on agriculture and water management practices. Eligibility is explicitly tied to geographical location as it applies to producers in Alberta.
- Primary producers operating in Alberta, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$12,500
Purchase of new on-farm irrigation system to enhance water efficiency
$17,500
Construction of a new dugout for enhanced water storage
$10,000
Implementation of special water supply incentive project focusing on solar-powered irrigation
$9,000
Installation of a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water supply
$7,500
Development of a new spring to support livestock water needs
$10,000
Upgrade of existing irrigation systems to conserve water and increase efficiency
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the Water Program under the On-Farm Irrigation Stream and On-Farm Water Supply Stream must be primary producers operating in Alberta. For the On-Farm Irrigation Stream, applicants must:1. Be responsible for input costs or agricultural crops for livestock, producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually.2. Not be landlords who only own the land without active engagement in crop or livestock production.3. Own an irrigated agricultural operation in Alberta.4. Have not 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, applicants must:1. Be primary producers responsible for input costs or agricultural crops for livestock, producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually.2. Not be landlords who only own the land without active engagement in crop or livestock production.3. 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.Indigenous applicants are also encouraged to apply, with the province supporting the success of Indigenous businesses in the agriculture and food sector through flexible program measures. Primary producers, including Indigenous businesses, must contact program staff for inquiries and assistance regarding the application process and eligibility requirements.
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 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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses related to on-farm irrigation system purchases and upgrades, and on-farm water supply projects.
- On-farm irrigation system purchases - up to 50% of eligible expenses (up to $17,500 per parcel).
- On-farm irrigation system upgrades - up to 50% of eligible expenses (up to $6,000 per parcel).
- On-farm water supply stream standard incentive - up to 50% of eligible expenses.
- Special incentives for on-farm water supply stream - varied, project-specific percentage of eligible expenses.
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 Eligibility
- Review the Water Program Terms and Conditions to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Confirm that your proposed activities are eligible by referencing the On-Farm Irrigation Stream Funding List and the 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
- Gather supportive documents to accompany your application.
- Submit the completed Application Form and supporting documents via email to the respective stream emails, [email protected] for the Irrigation Stream or [email protected] for the Water Supply Stream.
- You may also submit your application by mail to the addresses provided:
- Sustainable-CAP Water Program, Natural Resource Innovation Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Agriculture Centre, 100, 5401 1 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4V6.
- Sustainable-CAP Water Program, Program Delivery Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, 7000 113 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6.
- A fax submission is also possible at 403-381-5765.
- Step 4: Confirmation of Receipt
- If you submit via email, expect a confirmation email upon receipt of your application; contact by phone if confirmation is not received.
- If submitting by mail or fax, you will receive a notification by phone or email.
- Step 5: Address Missing Information
- If your application is missing information, anticipate a notification via email or phone requesting submission of the missing details.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
403-381-5532
Apply to this program
Enhance Agricultural Efficiency with the Water Program Grant
The Water Program Grant addresses vital agricultural water management needs, assisting primary producers in Alberta with adopting priority practices to optimize water use and mitigate risks related to water quality and supply. By participating in this program, eligible farmers can apply for funding to improve their irrigation and water supply systems on their farms, ensuring sustainable and efficient production practices.
Detailed Insight into the Water Program Grant and Its Benefits
The Water Program Grant, operated under Alberta's Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership, is an initiative aimed at bolstering agricultural water management through financial support and practice adoption. Farmers engaged in this program can access funding designed to improve both their irrigation systems and on-farm water supplies. This focus comes in light of challenges posed by climate variability and the critical need for efficient water resource management in agricultural settings, which are integral to maintaining long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
The Water Program is structured into two main streams: the On-Farm Irrigation Stream and the On-Farm Water Supply Stream. Each stream supports specific projects and activities that align with the program's core objectives. For instance, the On-Farm Irrigation Stream helps fund projects aimed at purchasing new irrigation systems, upgrading existing ones, or adopting advanced irrigation technologies. This stream offers a cost-sharing arrangement where up to 50% of eligible expenses can be covered by the grant, with a maximum funding cap per fiscal year to ensure wide-scale grant distribution among applicants.
Similarly, the On-Farm Water Supply Stream targets projects involving the development of water supply infrastructure such as dugouts, dams, and springs. For such endeavors, applicants must undertake due diligence in consulting with an Agriculture and Irrigation Water Specialist through Alberta’s dedicated hotline, ensuring their project proposals meet all the necessary legislative and programmatic prerequisites. Notably, there is an upper limit to the financial support available for the duration of this initiative from 2023 to 2028, promoting balanced and equitable resource allocation.
Eligibility for the Water Program is directed towards primary producers who play an essential role in Alberta’s agricultural ecosystem, producing significant farm commodities annually. Moreover, indigenous applicants are catered for within this program framework, acknowledging the diverse operational contexts present within this demographic. An emphasis is placed on fostering indigenous participation, with specialized support offered to navigate application processes and criteria.
It is imperative for applicants to ensure compliance with all federal and provincial regulations as part of their project planning and execution to qualify for reimbursement under this scheme—a strategic choice to harmonize agricultural advancement with environmental stewardship. Furthermore, transparency in financial transactions is a critical requirement, demanding that all invoices and payments align with the legal identities provided in grant applications and documentation, poignantly reinforcing organizational integrity and accountability.
While the promise of funding is enticing, applicants must be aware of the competitive nature of the grant, given the limited fiscal resources allocated annually. Successful applications are meticulously vetted against stringent eligibility criteria and project plans demonstrating substantial impact potential, innovation, and alignment with the program’s mission.
By facilitating these advancements, the Water Program aims not only to enhance farm productivity and economic viability but also to ensure the responsible and sustainable use of Alberta's water resources. Participation in this program is more than an opportunity for individual growth; it is a commitment to contributing towards a more resilient agricultural landscape and public trust in sustainable agricultural practices.
