Ag Notes

Community facilities receive funding

Alberta’s government is spending $4.5 million to upgrade or build 84 public-use facilities.

The Community Facility Enhancement Program provides matching funding to help non-profits leverage other sources of funding to upgrade, acquire or build public-use facilities.

The grants support the work of non-profits with up to $125,000 for their public-use facilities, including community halls, parks and playgrounds, natural areas, campsites, sports fields or outdoor pools and rinks.

Qualifying projects must demonstrate positive community impact, economic benefits, community need, project readiness and organizational sustainability.

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Genetic resistance for anthracnose is on the way

anthracnose resistant lentil varieites are on the way according to Ana Vargas, University of Saskatchewan lentil and chickpea breeder. She also shared some management methods for the anthracnose in lentils.

The next application deadline for the program’s large funding stream is June 15.

Grain exports receive federal funding

The federal government is spending about $4.4 million over two years to support three industry organizations in their efforts to grow Canada’s grain exports.

Cereals Canada will receive up to $3.52 million to reach international new markets by promoting the high-quality aspects of wheat and durum wheat.
The Canada Grains Council will receive up to $461,000 to help increase and diversify grain exports to international markets and seize domestic market opportunities.
The Prairie Oat Growers Association will receive up to $417,000 to help increase demand for oats by promoting the health and environmental benefits, as well as the diverse uses of oats.

Recycling program extended

Alberta’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development has extended the “Alberta Ag Plastic. Recycle it” pilot program until August 2023.

The program’s original three-year, $1million limit has been granted $115,000 in additional funding.

The extension includes additional ag plastic recycling collection sites to areas of the province not previously included, which will help more farmers participate by recycling their grain bags and used baler twine.

More than 1,700 tonnes of grain bag plastic were recycled during the three-year pilot project.

As well, about 230 tonnes of baler twine were recovered, which is the equivalent of over 10 fully loaded semi-trailers.

The long-term goal of the group is to expand the pilot into a permanent program.

Farmers can go to AlbertaAgPlastics.ca to find twine and grain bag collection sites and instructions on how to prepare the material for recycling.

Emergency planning receives funding

The federal government is spending more than $3 million on two projects to enhance emergency management and develop risk assessments and strategies to mitigate disease outbreaks in the livestock and poultry industries.

Funding for the two organizations will help the ag sector increase its capacity to face emergencies. The recipient organizations include:

Animal Health Canada in Elora, Ont., will receive up to $2,572,888, for a three-year project to enhance Animal Health Emergency Management in provincial/national associations.
Swine Innovation Porc will receive up to $446,135 to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of an African swine fever outbreak on the pork sector.

Producers also have access to business risk management programs. They have until June 30 to sign up for the support available under the program.

Funding supports agricultural youth

The federal government is giving $2.1 million to three organizations to support development opportunities for Canadian youth in agriculture through the AgriCompetitiveness Program.

4-H Canada will receive up to $1.8 million over two years to develop new curriculum and resources that empower youth through leadership programs, aimed at growing their practical knowledge and skills in key areas concerning Canadian agriculture.
Canadian Young Farmers’ Forum will receive up to $195,168 over two years to build industry capacity and provide training and education to young farmers across Canada.
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers will receive up to $119,724 over two years to support its seven regional recognition events, as well as its three-day national recognition event.

First responders offered PTSD help

The Alberta Municipal Health and Safety Association is hosting free sessions for rural first responders to address post-traumatic stress injuries.

This program is designed for professional and volunteer first responders who work in fire stations registered in rural and remote municipalities in Alberta.

The sessions provide seven hours of training over two days through virtual sessions.

The current available dates are: