Sustainability a major focus of the new Canadian Agricultural Partnership framework

Shannon Sereda, Director, Government Relations, Policy and Markets | Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions

On April 1, 2023, the $3.5 billion Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), framework replaced the previous Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) — a multi-lateral five-year framework agreement signed between the federal, provincial and territorial governments.

The inclusion of sustainability in the title of the new framework reflects an increased priority on climate change and environmental protection to support greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as referenced in The Guelph Statement. The Guelph Statement is the vision to 2028 that was established by federal, provincial and territorial agricultural ministers in November 2021, which defined the priorities and principles for the new Sustainable CAP.

Sustainable CAP houses a number of core programs and funding that the agricultural sector across Canada relies on for growth, competitiveness and continued innovation in the sector. The new Sustainable CAP framework includes $1 billion in federal programs, including to grow and expand markets such as AgriMarketing, as well as to support innovative and sustainable growth of the sector like the AgriScience Program clusters.

The Sustainable CAP also includes $2.5 billion in provincial-federal cost-shared programs such as the Business Risk Management (BRM) suite of programs (AgriInsurance, AgriStability and AgriInvest et.al), as well as strategic initiatives that are designed and administered by the provinces and will be highlighted thus far. This federal-provincial funding envelope represents a $500 million increase to the total cost shared. This funding increase is largely attributed to an increase in the compensation rate of AgriStability from 70 to 80 per cent for the 2023 program year, as well as the introduction of the $250 million in cost-shared funding for the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program. This program is designed and administered by provinces to support producers in conserving and enhancing the environmental resiliency of their agricultural landscapes by accelerating the adoption of certain Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs).

Farmers can expect to see the environmental priorities reflected in several areas of the new partnership with further changes expected to be forthcoming to business risk management programs. Additional changes also include the requirement to have a valid and current Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) to access certain programs and grants under Alberta’s strategic initiatives. It is expected that by 2025 the AgriInvest program will require farmers to have completed an EFP in order to receive federal government contributions for farmers who meet a minimum threshold for sales. For information on starting, renewing or inquiring about the status of an EFP farmers should contact Alberta EFP through their website albertaefp.ca, or by phone 1-587-200-2552.

Cost-shared grant programs available now to farmers under the Sustainable CAP in Alberta as follows:

Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP)

The goal of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program is to increase environmental resiliency of agricultural landscapes by accelerating adoption of Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) that maximize provision of Ecological Goods & Services (EG&S), such as carbon sequestration, improved water quality and biodiversity enhancement. Funding is offered on a per- acre payment basis for a term of three years. Funding of up to $150,000 for Primary Producers, and up to $300,000 for Indigenous applicants or groups such as Grazing Reserve Associations and community pastures are available for select BMP projects. To review the BMP funding list and other program details, visit alberta.ca/resilient-agricultural-landscape-program.aspx.

Farm Technology Program (FTP)

The Farm Technology Program supports the adoption of innovative technology that minimizes agricultural waste, optimizes farm efficiency, or improves the security of farming operations. Funding of up to $48,000 per applicant is available for items that fall under the Farm Technology Stream, and up to $2,000/applicant for items in the Farm Security Stream. Program funding is retroactive to April 1, 2023. To review the funding list and other program details, visit alberta.ca/farm-technology-program.aspx.

Efficient Grain Handling Program (EGHP)

The Efficient Grain Handling Program funds grain handling equipment that shows a significant energy efficiency improvement over standard practice. Funding of up to $100,000 per applicant is available for approved projects. Program funding is retroactive to April 1, 2023. To review the funding list and other program details, visit alberta.ca/efficient-grain-handling-program.aspx.

For program inquires:

RALP: RALP@gov.ab.ca
Farm Technology: S-CAP.FTP@gov.ab.ca
Efficient Grain Handling: S-CAP.EGHP@gov.ab.ca