Irrigation Program — Irrigation Efficiency Program
Highlights
This program is designed for you to improve your irrigation system's efficiency, saving both energy and water. You can receive up to 30% of eligible costs, with a maximum rebate of $50,000 over the five-year term. This financial support can significantly reduce your investment costs in upgrading to high-efficiency, low-pressure irrigation systems.
Key Benefits:
- Substantial Rebates: Up to 30% of eligible costs, capped at $50,000.
- Long-Term Savings: Lower energy and water usage, reducing operational costs.
- Enhanced Productivity: Improved irrigation efficiency can lead to better crop yields.
Why Apply?
- Government-Backed Financing: This program offers a reliable source of funding, making it easier to plan and execute your irrigation projects.
- Flexible Eligibility: Even new entrants can qualify if they meet the income threshold within the program term.
- Environmental Impact: Contributing to sustainable farming practices by reducing resource consumption.
Applying is straightforward, and the benefits to your business are clear. This program not only supports your immediate financial needs but also promotes long-term sustainability and efficiency.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Rebate
Repayment Terms:
- No repayment required. This is a rebate program.
Eligible Expenses:
- Purchase and installation of new low-pressure center pivot, low-pressure linear systems, or sub-surface irrigation for existing licensed irrigated acres.
- Materials and installation for low-pressure, high-efficiency sprinklers, including:
- Low-pressure sprinkler nozzles
- Pressure regulators
- Pipe/hose extension/carts for low clearance
- Booms for low-pressure application
- Delivery hose/pipe
- Filters and emitters for trickle or drip systems
- Conversion from combustion engine to electric, wind, or solar-powered pumps.
- End gun booster pumps and low-pressure main pump replacement.
- Purchase, modification, and installation of fertigation equipment.
- Improving irrigation pump intake systems with new screens or shoreline modifications.
- Installing flow monitors, water meters, or equipment to measure water usage.
- Conversion of single-speed electric irrigation pump motors to variable frequency drive motors.
- Speed control systems for varying water application depths.
- Soil and plant moisture monitoring equipment.
- Remote communications technologies such as telemetry.
- Purchase and installation of new Variable Rate irrigation equipment.
Ineligible Expenses:
- Projects and expenditures commencing prior to October 1, 2022.
- Invoices not issued in the applicant's name.
- Purchase and installation of irrigation systems for new irrigation development.
- Drip irrigation systems for orchards and u-pick operations, unless converting from a sprinkler or flood system.
- Costs associated with new irrigation development, including pumps, pipe infrastructure, and water-source expansion.
- Replacement of existing electric or combustion engines to drive pumps.
- Regular repair or maintenance costs.
- Modification of irrigation works not owned by the applicant.
- Taxes, financing fees, interest charges, or legal fees.
- Applicant/employee labor and administration costs.
- Fees paid to third parties for application support.
- Purchase of land/property or payment of easements.
- Basic repair and maintenance or ongoing expenses.
- Extended warranty or insurance costs.
- Used, leased, or fabricated materials and infrastructure.
- In-kind freight/mileage, equipment use, materials, or payment for third-party services/supplies.
- Costs claimed for expenses/activities funded under other government programs.
Fees:
- No fees associated with this rebate program.
Qualifications
- Must be a primary agricultural producer (individual, partnership, co-operative, or corporation).
- Must demonstrate a minimum of $50,000 in gross farm income in Saskatchewan in the year of application or the year prior.
- Individual applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- First Nation Bands in the Province of Saskatchewan are eligible.
- Irrigation districts in Saskatchewan, as defined by The Irrigation Act, 2019, are eligible.
- Project and expenses must have commenced after October 1, 2022.
- Must irrigate a minimum of 10 acres (exceptions may apply for vegetable, greenhouse, and fruit operations).
- Must have a valid Water Rights Licence issued by the Water Security Agency (WSA) or a Water Service Agreement with a recognized Irrigation District.
- Producers with livestock and poultry must have a Saskatchewan Premises Identification (PID) number.
Must comply with The Irrigation Act, 2019, including paying a per acre levy fee to the Irrigation Crop Diversification Corporation.
Disqualifications:
- Projects and expenses commencing prior to October 1, 2022.
- Invoices not issued in the applicant's name.
- Purchase and installation of irrigation systems for new irrigation development.
- Drip irrigation systems for orchards and u-pick operations, unless converting from a sprinkler or flood system.
- Costs associated with new irrigation development, including pumps, pipe infrastructure, and water-source expansion costs.
- Replacement of existing electric or combustion engines to drive pumps.
- Regular repair or maintenance costs.
- Modification of irrigation works not owned by the applicant.
- Taxes, financing fees, interest charges, or legal fees.
- Applicant/employee labour and administration costs.
- Fees paid to third parties for application support.
- Purchase of land/property or payment of easements.
- Basic repair and maintenance or ongoing expenses.
- Extended warranty or insurance costs.
- Used, leased, or fabricated materials and infrastructure.
- In-kind freight/mileage, equipment use, or materials.
- In-kind payment for third-party services/supplies.
- Materials from inventory.
- Costs claimed for expenses/activities funded under other government programs.
Description
This program offers your business a rebate of up to 30% on the costs of upgrading your irrigation system, with a maximum rebate of $50,000 over five years. This means you can get significant financial help to switch from low-efficiency or high-pressure systems to high-efficiency, low-pressure systems.
Eligible expenses include:
- New low-pressure center pivots or linear systems
- Low-pressure sprinkler nozzles and pressure regulators
- Conversion to electric, wind, or solar-powered pumps
- Installation of fertigation equipment
- Flow monitors and water meters
- Soil and plant moisture monitoring equipment
To receive the rebate, your project must be fully constructed and operational. No interim payments will be made, so you need to complete the project first. The deadline for submitting your rebate application is March 31, 2028.
This program is a great opportunity to improve your irrigation system's efficiency, save on energy and water costs, and get financial support to make these important upgrades.
Program Steps
Download the Application Form: Visit the program's website and download the Irrigation Efficiency Program Rebate Application Form. Save it to your computer before entering any information.
Prepare Required Documentation: Gather the necessary documents to support your application. These include:
- Proof of gross farm income ($50,000 minimum) for the year of application or the previous year.
- Valid Water Rights Licence from the Water Security Agency or a Water Service Agreement with a recognized Irrigation District.
- Any required approvals from the Federal Government or the Ministry of Environment.
- Paid invoices for all eligible expenses.
- Agri-Environmental Risk Assessment review documentation.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the downloaded application form with accurate and detailed information about your project and expenses.
Submit the Application: Send the completed application form along with all required documentation via email to [email protected] or mail it to:
Irrigation Programming Ministry of Agriculture, Programs Branch 329 – 3085 Albert Street Regina SK S4S 0B1
Await Confirmation: After submitting your application, wait for confirmation from the program administrators. They may contact you for additional information or clarification.
Receive Rebate: Once your application is approved and your project is verified as fully constructed and operational, you will receive the rebate. Ensure all invoices are paid in full before applying, as no interim payments will be made.