Water Program — On-farm irrigation stream
Highlights
This program is designed to help your agricultural business thrive by supporting better water management practices. You can receive up to $35,000 per fiscal year for on-farm irrigation system purchases and upgrades, covering 50% of eligible expenses. For on-farm water supply projects, you can get up to $40,000 over the program period, also covering up to 50% of eligible expenses.
What’s in it for you?
- Improved water management: Enhance your irrigation systems and water supply, ensuring efficient use of resources.
- Financial support: Significant cost-sharing on essential projects, reducing your financial burden.
- Long-term benefits: Better water management leads to sustainable growth and resilience against climate variability.
Applying is straightforward, and if approved, this funding can significantly boost your operational efficiency and long-term success.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- No repayment is required. This is a non-repayable grant.
Eligible Expenses:
- On-farm irrigation system purchases: 50% of eligible expenses, up to $17,500 per parcel.
- On-farm irrigation system upgrades: 50% of eligible expenses, up to $6,000 per parcel.
- On-farm water supply projects: Up to 50% for eligible expenses, with a maximum of $40,000 per applicant for the period April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028.
Use of Funds:
- Funds can be used for purchasing and upgrading on-farm irrigation systems.
- Funds can also be used for on-farm water supply projects, including dugouts, dams, and spring developments.
Restrictions on Use of Funds:
- Funds cannot be used for expenses incurred before April 1, 2023.
- Funds cannot be used for non-agricultural purposes or projects not listed in the program's eligible expenses.
Fees:
- No fees are associated with this grant program.
Qualifications
- Must be a primary producer operating in Alberta.
- Must be responsible for input costs of agricultural crops or livestock.
- Must produce at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually.
- Must own an irrigated agricultural operation in Alberta (for On-Farm Irrigation Stream).
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 (for On-Farm Water Supply Stream).
Disqualifications:
- Landlords whose only interest in the crop or livestock is ownership of the land.
- Applicants who have been previously approved for payment from the program for the same project type for the parcel described in the application.
Description
This program offers your business valuable support for managing water resources. You can receive up to $35,000 per fiscal year for on-farm irrigation projects. This includes 50% of eligible expenses for new irrigation systems (up to $17,500 per parcel) and upgrades (up to $6,000 per parcel).
For on-farm water supply projects, you can get up to $40,000 over the program period (April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028). This covers dugouts, dams, and spring developments, with 50% of eligible expenses reimbursed.
This funding helps you manage water more efficiently, ensuring better water quality and supply. It supports your business's growth and long-term success by adapting to climate variability and using water resources wisely.
Program Steps
Complete the Application Form:
- Download and fill out the Water Program Application form.
Prepare Documentation:
- Gather the following documents:
- Proof of income showing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually.
- Proof of ownership or lease of the land.
- Proof of Alberta income tax or corporate tax payments.
- For On-Farm Irrigation Stream: Proof of 10% down payment for all eligible expenses.
- For On-Farm Water Supply Stream: Proof of full payment for all invoices.
- Any required water licences or amendments from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.
- Gather the following documents:
Consult with a Specialist:
- For dugouts, dams, and spring developments, contact an Agriculture and Irrigation Water Specialist at 310-FARM to receive an approved Construction Sheet.
Review Program Terms and Conditions:
- Ensure you understand the Water Program Terms and Conditions and that your project meets all eligibility criteria.
Submit the Application:
- Email or mail the completed application form and supporting documents to the appropriate address:
- Email:
- On-Farm Irrigation Stream: [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
- Sustainable-CAP Water Program Program Delivery Section Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation 7000 113 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6
- Email:
- Email or mail the completed application form and supporting documents to the appropriate address:
Confirmation of Receipt:
- You will be notified by email or telephone that your application has been received. If you do not receive confirmation, contact the program office.
Provide Additional Information if Needed:
- If your application is missing information, you will be contacted to submit the required details.
Await Processing:
- Application processing times may vary. Stay informed by checking for updates or contacting the program office if necessary.
