Alberta investing $10 million to help producers

Money will be used to help reduce carbon emissions

Alberta’s provincial government is spending $10 million to encourage farmers to employ strategies that help to reduce carbon emissions.

“In my discussions with agricultural producers, I have heard the importance of supporting greenhouses, dairy and livestock sectors in the transition to a lower carbon future,” Alberta Minister of Agriculture Oneil Carlier said in a release. “That’s why, in addition to our farm fuel rebate, we are putting additional funding in programs that will help producers become more efficient and reduce consumption, emissions and costs.”

The funding will allow for the expansion of some current programs.

When it comes to the On-Farm Energy Management Program, farmers can increase the percentage of capital purchases covered to 70 per cent from 35 per cent.

Alberta Minister of Agriculture Oneil Carlier

The funding will also allow for the expansion of the Irrigation Efficiency Program. Farmers will be able to submit more than one project and the funding cap can also rise to $15,000 from $5,000 depending on the project.

Industry representatives say the funding expansion will allow farmers to comply with the changing climate landscape.

“By expanding the cap on the irrigation-efficiency programs we will be able to do more to make our operations more efficient, which will reduce our energy costs and make better use of our water resources,” Richard Stamp, president, business development and risk management, Stamp Seeds, said in a release