Alberta farmers who develop a long-term water management plan could be eligible for government money.
Water management is one of 21 programs under the federal-provincial Growing Forward scheme. In Alberta, many of the water programs have been available for eight years, said Murray Tenove of Alberta Agriculture, but changes have been made for applications and approvals.
“There is a lot of similarity in terms of what they can get funding towards,” he said.
“This long-term water management plan is more in determining and quantifying your water shortage.”
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The water management program was launched April 24 and 250 producers have applied for programs for long-term water management or improved water supplies.
The water development programs require an application to an Alberta agriculture water specialist, who can approve the plan or make suggestions to ensure the farmer has the proper licenses and meets environmental requirements.
“It is best before they start work they should contact Alberta Agriculture and have the approval of the water specialist before they start or at least have been in contact with them,” he said.
The program is open to active farmers with a farm fuel identification number or at least $10,000 in production income. All applications for the four year program will be handled on a first come, first served basis.
Grants of up to one-third of the eligible costs to a maximum of $5,000 are available for standard programs such as drilling a well or digging a dugout.
Another $4,000 is available at 50-50 cost sharing for longer-term programs such as well plugging, water metering and well depth measurements.
Other programs may provide funding for producers who do not fit into the water program requirements.
For example, a permanent water pipeline buried below the frost line to deliver livestock water would qualify for funding under the water program, but a shallow, temporary line might fit under the grazing and winter feeding program.
This program covers the following:
* Development of springs and dams, including intake and fencing.
* Water tanks, storage and cisterns for low producing wells or as part of permanent water supply.
* Energy sources for access to new water sources or previously unused sources.
* Livestock watering components, water supply development services, test holes, construction surveys, material analysis and professional consultant fees for new water sources.
Special incentive projects include specified water conservation measures such as the purchase and installation of water use meters, well depth meters for agricultural water use and well decommissioning by a certified contractor.
The Growing Forward programs are updated on a continual basis, so contact the Ag Info Centre at 310-3276 for the most current program information.
