Financial Support for Alberta Agriculture

Crowe MacKay’s Agriculture Industry Services

To provide continued innovation, growth and prosperity to Canada’s agriculture, federal, provincial, and territorial governments have developed the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (Sustainable CAP) grant program. In Alberta, $508 million in grant funding is available until 2028 to agri-businesses should they meet specific eligibility.

In this article, our Agriculture industry experts explore the various grant programs open for applications to Alberta farmers, sharing an overview of each program, eligible individuals and projects. If you require assistance applying for these programs in Alberta, contact our experts.

Efficient Grain Handling: Streamlining Success

The Efficient Grain Handling program is tailor-made for farmers looking to optimize their grain handling processes. This grant program offers financial assistance to upgrade and modernize grain handling facilities, ensuring that grains are efficiently managed from field to market.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be:

a Primary Producer,
responsible for input costs for a crop, bee, or livestock operations that produce at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually, and
not a landlord whose only interest in a crop, bee, or livestock operations is ownership of the land, and either:
- have a valid and current Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) certificate or completion letter, or
- submit a copy of an EFP letter of completion or certificate with the Reimbursement Claim Form.

Eligible Funding

Grain handling system components that bring about substantial energy efficiency enhancements beyond the standard configuration are considered eligible within the program. These components can come as factory options on new equipment or as retrofits for existing machinery. Approval from the Minister is required to confirm the significant energy efficiency improvements offered by the applicant's chosen components.

Please note that installation and labour costs are generally considered eligible, except when they are part of a pipeline-to-grain-dryer project, where they become ineligible.

For comprehensive details, consult the Efficient Grain Handling Program Funding List.

Important: The program funding covers 50% of eligible expenses. The grant amount must stay under $500, and the maximum grant available is $100,000.

View Full Details on the Efficient Grain Handling Program

Emerging Opportunities: Your Path to Growth

Alberta's agriculture landscape is ever-evolving, and seizing emerging opportunities is crucial for sustainable growth. With the Emerging Opportunities program, funding is aimed to support projects focused on innovation and result in significant company growth and sector impact. Before applying for this grant, review the program's requirements and eligibility criteria, which we’ve listed below.

Before You Apply:

Contact the department directly ([email protected]) to discuss whether your project fits program eligibility and criteria. The department will invite you to submit a Letter of Request if deemed a fit.
The department may contact you directly based on the department's awareness/knowledge of your project.

Who Can Apply

To be eligible, you must be:

registered and operating in Alberta,
- Applicants eligible not operating in Alberta at the time of application must prove they will operate in Alberta, meeting the intended project outcomes by no later than March 31, 2028.

in good standing in accordance with applicable legislation, and

an agriculture or bio-industrial processor or an industry organization.

Eligible Funding

Projects that qualify for eligibility should encompass one or a blend of the following activities:

Equipment and Engineering: This category covers projects related to new processing facilities and substantial expansion projects that result in a notable boost in processing capacity within Alberta.
Market Exploration and Barrier Addressing Initiatives: Projects falling under this category should focus on exploring market opportunities, actively addressing obstacles to export, and gaining access to new markets.
Promotion of Sector-Wide Collaboration: Eligible projects should aim to foster collaboration among companies within the sector, contributing to its overall growth and development.
Other Minister-Approved Activities: Any other activity that aligns with the emerging opportunities within the sector and receives approval from the Minister can be considered eligible for support.

View Full Details on the Emerging Opportunities Program

Farm Technology: Pioneering Progress

The Farm Technology Program aims to foster innovation within Alberta’s agricultural sector. This program offers funding to innovative technology that minimizes agricultural waste, optimizes farm efficiency, and encourages adopting best management practices in farm security. There are two streams available within this program: Farm Technology and Farm Security.

Farm Technology: This stream supports adopting innovative technology that minimizes agricultural waste and optimizes farm efficiency.

Farm Security: This stream supports producers in securing business assets by encouraging the adoption of best management practices in farm security.

Eligible Funding

Please refer to the Farm Technology Program Funding List to view the qualified expenses.

Please consult the Farm Technology Program Funding list for expenses that do not meet the eligibility criteria.

View Full Details on the Farm Technology Program

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be:

A Primary Producer,
responsible for input costs for a crop, bee, or livestock operation that produces at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually, and
not a landlord whose only interest in a crop, bee, or livestock operation is ownership of the land, and either:
- have a valid and current Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) certificate or completion letter, or
- obtain their EFP certificate or completion letter before the end of the Project Term.

Resilient Agricultural Landscape: Navigating Challenges

Alberta's Resilient Agricultural Landscape encompasses a range of grant programs designed to equip farmers with the tools and resources they need to thrive in today's agricultural environment. These programs focus on bolstering efficiency, enhancing sustainability, and preparing farmers for the inevitable challenges of farming.

Important Dates to Remember

For farmers considering the Resilient Agriculture Landscape Program, knowing application deadlines and critical dates is crucial. Missing out on these dates can mean missing out on valuable opportunities.

View Important Dates

Funding Eligibility

Support is accessible through the subsequent categories:

pasture management
cropland conversion
tree establishment
wetland

View Full Details on the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program

Who Can Apply

Primary Producer: This can be an individual, a registered corporation in Alberta, a post-secondary institution, or an applied research/forage association. They should meet the following criteria:
- Responsible for managing an agricultural operation in Alberta, encompassing activities like annual crop cultivation, beekeeping, or livestock rearing, with an annual production value of at least $25,000 in farm commodities.
- Accountable for the input costs associated with the operation.
- Not solely a landlord with an ownership interest in the operation and no other involvement.

Grazing Reserve Association
Operator of a Community Pasture
Approved Indigenous Applicants

Water: The Liquid Gold of Farming

The Water Program facilitates the enhancement of agricultural water management by assisting primary producers in adopting improved practices and priority actions in agriculture water management.

This, in turn, contributes to the more effective mitigation of risks associated with water quality and supply, better adaptation to climate variability, and the efficient utilization of water resources.

Applicants have the option to apply for one or both of the following program streams:

On-Farm Irrigation Stream
On-Farm Water Supply Stream

Who Can Apply

On-Farm Irrigation Stream

Applicants must qualify as primary producers operating within Alberta, meeting the following criteria:

Responsible for input costs associated with crops or livestock, yielding a minimum annual production value of $25,000 in farm commodities.
Excludes individuals who are solely landlords with ownership of the land and no direct involvement in the crop or livestock.
Owns an irrigated agricultural operation situated in Alberta.
Has not previously received approval for payment from the program for a project of the same type related to the described parcel in the application.

On-Farm Water Supply Stream

Applicants should be primary producers meeting these conditions:

Responsible for input costs associated with crops or livestock, with an annual farm commodity production value of at least $25,000. However, this category does not include landlords whose sole interest in the crop or livestock is land ownership.
Obligated to pay Alberta income tax or corporate tax (or claim losses) related to income derived from the production of farm commodities in accordance with the Income Tax Act (Canada) or the Alberta Corporate Tax Act.

Funding Eligibility

On-Farm Irrigation Stream Projects

For detailed information about specific projects within the On-Farm Irrigation Stream, please refer to the On-Farm Irrigation Stream Funding List. Each applicant is eligible for a maximum funding of $30,000 per fiscal year under the program. The breakdown is as follows:

On-farm irrigation system purchases: Eligible expenses are covered at a rate of 25%, with a maximum of $15,000 per parcel.
On-farm irrigation system upgrades: Eligible expenses are also covered at a rate of 25%, with a maximum of $5,000 per parcel.

On-Farm Water Supply Stream Projects

For specific project maximums within the On-Farm Water Supply Stream, please consult the On-Farm Water Supply Stream Funding List. It's worth noting that if all project maximums are reached, there is an overarching maximum of $35,000 per applicant from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028.

Cost Sharing

For On-Farm Irrigation Stream projects, the program provides a grant covering 25% of eligible expenses, with the applicant responsible for the remaining 75%, up to the maximums indicated above.
As for On-Farm Water Supply Stream projects:
- Standard incentive projects may receive up to 25% coverage for eligible expenses.
- Special incentives, which are project-specific, have varied cost-sharing arrangements.

View Full Details on the Water Program

Conclusion

Alberta's agricultural grant programs are a lifeline for farmers looking to improve their operations, innovate, and build resilience in the face of challenges. From efficient grain handling to embracing the digital age of farming, these programs cover a wide range of areas to support the province's vibrant agricultural community. If you require assistance when applying for these programs in Alberta, contact Crowe MacKay’s agriculture industry experts today .

This article has been published for general information. You should always contact your trusted advisor for specific guidance pertaining to your individual tax needs. This publication is not a substitute for obtaining personalized advice.

If you are in the Agriculture industry and require personalized support from a financial expert, Crowe MacKay’s advisors have the knowledge and expertise to support farming and agriculture businesses.

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Niels practice focuses on clients ranging from small, owner-managed businesses to large privately-held businesses. His client service focus spans across many areas including audit, accounting, taxation issues, and numerous special consulting engagements. Niels industry expertise clients include agricultural producers, municipalities, manufacturing, automotive dealerships, and non-profit organizations.

Niels Jensen

Partner

Edmonton

1 (780) 420 0626

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