| | Applications continue to be accepted for the Environmental Stewardship and Climate Change Producer program under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership). Under this program and its three categories, producers can apply for funding to support projects that reduce negative impacts on the environment while enhancing sustainable production, managing climate change, and increasing profitability in the agriculture sector. Chris Ullmann, agri-environmental extension specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, explains Category B – Manure and Livestock Facility Management – and what producers should know about applying.
“The target here,” explains Ullmann, “Is to help livestock producers improve an existing site or to change their manure management in such a way that it reduces the risk to surface water or ground water at a manure or livestock site.”
Ullmann says that there are six activity codes for the different types of projects that are eligible. “Grants can be used to hire a professional, such as an engineer, to help evaluate and design a solution. There is coverage for construction of an improvement or a storage facility to help a producer better time their manure application. There are projects to help with surface water and controlling run-on and run-off from livestock facilities, as well as to relocate a site when that is the only solution.”
“We also have an activity code to improve how a producer handles manure,” says Ullmann. “Equipment that improves nutrient use efficiency, decreases nutrient loss or increases public safety may be eligible. This include items like drag line road crossings, drag line equipment, injection delivery systems or an emergency manure spill kit.”
“If that isn’t enough," adds Ullmann, "We have an open category for producers who have a new or innovative solution that helps us address one of these environmental risks.”
Eligible projects must address an existing risk and cannot be used to expand or develop a new operation, where no risk is currently present.
Under the Terms and Conditions all regulatory requirements must also be met. Says Ullmann, “Meaning that if a permit is required by Alberta Environment and Parks, the Natural Resources Conservation Board or the local municipality, you must obtain that permit to be eligible for funding.”
Ullmann adds that applicants need to be aware that the terms and conditions have been updated with important changes from previous programs.
For more information on Category B projects, call 310-FARM (3276) and ask to speak with an agri-environmental extension specialist. For application forms, terms and conditions, and the funding list, visit the Environmental Stewardship and Climate Change – Producer page.
In Alberta, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership represents a federal - provincial investment of $406 million in strategic programs and initiatives for the agricultural sector. The Environmental Stewardship and Climate Change Producer program is one of the 15 programs that will be offered in Alberta through the Partnership funding.
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