Growing Forward

There are twelve Alberta Growing Forward Program Areas. The County can offer support for the Stewardship Programs and the Long Term Water Management Program. To receive funding for any of the Stewardship Programs and the Long Term Water Management Program an Environmental Farm Plan needs to be completed.

Stewardship Programs and Available Funding

Integrated Crop Management

Grant Funding cost share of 50% of eligible expenses to complete the project
($20,000.00 funding maximum)
Anticipated for April 2010

Grazing & Winter Feeding Management

Grant Funding cost share 50% of eligible expenses to complete the project
($15,000.00 funding maximum)
Anticipated for April 2010

Manure Management

Grant Funding cost share of 50% of eligible expenses to complete the project ($50,000.00 funding maximum)
Program Launched February 1st, 2010

Conditions of Eligibility for the Stewardship Programs are:

Applicants must be actively farming land for the production of crops or livestock, registered with Growing Forward, and have completed an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP). Completion of an EFP will assist in the development of a work plan. If an audit is conducted, a representative of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) will request proof of completion of an EFP.
To be eligible for funding, a work plan and an accompanying program application must be submitted to ARD for approval. Applicants must receive notification of approval for the submitted work plan and program application from ARD before work can begin or any expenses incurred on the project. Notification of approval will be given in the form of a letter that includes a project approval date. Successful applicants of the Program must enter into an agreement with the Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.

Long Term Water Management Program

Water Management Available Funding:

• Program Payment will be based on 1/3 of eligible project costs to a maximum of $5,000.00 per eligible producer. This limit applies to the total payment eligibility for all applications filed under Growing Forward during the four years.
• Special incentives at 50/50 cost sharing for certain items in support of improved water management or protection are also available.
• Grant Application Forms will be considered for approval on a first come first serve basis due to Program funding constraints. Grant payments will be determined on first approved, first paid basis. Submission of a completed Grant Application Form to ARD does not guarantee that the Applicant will receive payment under this program.
• Projects to be constructed on crown land are not eligible under this program.

Conditions for Eligibility for the Water Management Program:

The Water Management Program is targeted at active producers in the province of Alberta. Any active producer with a minimum of $10,000.00 farm commodity production per year is eligible to apply under the program. To be eligible to obtain funding under Growing Forward, producers need to develop a Long Term Water Management Plan (LTWMP) for their farm and provide it to Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) where it can be reviewed and approved by an ARD Water Specialist.

Program Launched January 1, 2009.

Please contact our Sustainable Agriculture Specialist, Amber Hines at 403-335-3311, extension 163 to receive more information.