If you are a grower in Western Canada and you are looking to evaluate or adopt more sustainable farming practices, you might be eligible to receive financial assistance through the On-Farm Climate Action Fund from Agriculture and Agri-food Canada.

Farming operations can apply to receive up to $75,000.00 to cover up to 85% of implementation costs of adopting new practices such as cover cropping, rotational grazing and various practices that aim to improve nitrogen use efficiency. The funding covers everything from equipment upgrades to hiring professionals to help prepare nitrogen management plans.

Nitrogen management practices covered include:

  • the use of nitrification inhibitors
  • variable rate applications
  • switching to spring application
  • split application
  • banding of nitrogen fertilizers
  • adding legumes to the rotation
  • offsetting the costs of synthetic fertilizer substitutes such as manure

In Manitoba, producers can access this funding through their local Watershed Districts or the Canola Council’s 4R Advantage program. Despite accessing the same federal dollars, a number of differences exist between both programs. The Canola Council’s program is only for acres going into canola. The Watershed’s program is managed at the district level with subtle differences in funding amounts between different BMP’s.  Depending on what district(s) you farm in, there can be a need to fill out multiple applications. Also, if your RM is not a member of a watershed district, you are only able to access the Canola Council program.

For more information, here are links to both programs for Manitoba growers:

https://www.canolacouncil.org/4r-advantage/

https://manitobawatersheds.org/prairie-watershed-climate-program

Additional funding for producers wanting to adopt new practices was recently announced under the Sustainable CAP (Canadian Agricultural Partnership). If you farm in the Red River Valley of Manitoba and would like help figuring out what you might be eligible to access through these programs, or if you would like help with the application process, reach out to us via our website or email info@antaraag.ca.