This new program supports the adoption of innovative technology and best management practices in farm technology and security.
The new Farm Technology Program supports the adoption of innovative technology that minimizes agricultural waste, optimizes farm efficiency, and encourages the adoption of best management practices in farm security. This program provides financial incentives on new technologies that are commercially available and already demonstrated under Alberta conditions.
There are two streams available to producers under the Farm Technology program: farm technology and farm security. To be eligible for funding, the program targets technology that is proven, but not yet widely adopted within an applicant’s farm type.
The Farm Technology stream supports the adoption of innovative technology that minimizes agricultural waste and optimizes farm efficiency, including:
- digital sensors that contribute to greater precision and more accurate matching of inputs with requirements
- wands and panel readers for electronic livestock ID tags that enable livestock producers to log weights digitally
- devices that boost internet coverage on the farm
The Farm Security stream supports producers in their efforts to secure business assets. This program will help farmers and ranchers protect their operations by supporting investments in farm security best management practices, including:
- GPS equipment trackers that can monitor equipment locations
- remote monitoring cameras for rural security
To be eligible to apply for this program, the applicant must be a primary producer and have a current Environmental Farm Plan, or complete one before the end of the project term.
Eligible expenses for approved projects are funded to a maximum of $48,000 per applicant for the Farm Technology stream over the course of the program, and $2000 per applicant for the Farm Security stream over the course of the program. Eligible expenses will be cost-shared at 50% grant and 50% applicant.
The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a 5-year, $3 billion federal-provincial-territorial investment in the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector that began in April 2018. In Alberta, it represents a federal-provincial investment of $406 million in strategic programs and initiatives for the agricultural sector.
Source : alberta