More farm plan money
Farmers in Alberta and Saskatchewan who complete a reviewed Environmental Farm Plan will now have access to an additional $20,000 per farm in cost-shared funding under the Canada-Saskatchewan Farm Stewardship Program.
The increase in available funding to $50,000 from $30,000 per producer has been announced by the federal government.
The funding is designed to address environmental issues on prairie farms by promoting a number of beneficial management practices: enhance the quality of the soil, water and air; promote biodiversity; ensure natural resources used for agriculture are healthy and sustainable over the long term; and support the long-term economic and environmental viability of the agriculture industry.
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Farming Smarter receives financial boost from Alberta government for potato research
Farming Smarter near Lethbridge got a boost to its research equipment, thanks to the Alberta government’s increase in funding for research associations.
The National Farm Stewardship Program is a joint program involving federal, provincial and territorial governments under the agricultural policy framework. For more information, visit www.agr.gc.ca or call 800-667-8567.
ILO rules change
Regulatory changes to the Agricultural Operation Practices Act were implemented Oct. 1 to clarify the legislation that guides the location and expansion of intensive livestock operations in Alberta.
The amendments include clarification or changes to definitions, livestock types, minimum distance separations, manure storage guidelines, manure application and soil testing requirements. As well, new extension services are offered through Alberta Agriculture to complement the work of the Natural Resource Conservation Board in administering the act.
Extension services are available to producers, municipalities, consultants, neighbouring landowners and other interested parties. These services will help clients access technical and educational information on the permit application process for building or expanding livestock feeding operations.
For more information, call the Ag-Info Centre at 310- 3276 or contact an NRCB regional office in Lethbridge at 403-381-5166, in Red Deer at 403-340-5241, in Morinville at 780-939-1212 or in Fairview at 780-835-7111.
