More beneficial management practices have been added to Sask-atchewan’s farm stewardship program to help producers maintain the environmental integrity of their land.
The program, funded by the federal and provincial governments under Growing Forward 2, provides financial help to producers who implement BMPs that maintain or improve the soil, water or air quality, or biodiversity resources.
Growing Forward 2 takes over from the previous five-year program that offered similar funding.
Last week, the governments announced the $4.6-million-per-year program now contains precision farming and land management BMPs.
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For example, variable rate irrigation technology is eligible for 30 percent funding of eligible costs to a maximum of $15,000. Variable rate mapping is also eligible for 30 percent to a maximum rebate of $2,000.
Also new this year is funding for riparian area grazing management and fencing. Producers are eligible for a rebate of 50 percent of eligible costs to a maximum of $5,000.
As well, the program now offers 50 percent of eligible costs, including engineering and construction of a berm and pad for storage areas, for used oil, filter and fluid storage. The maximum rebate is $3,000.
“The farm stewardship program recognizes that good environmental practices and a successful agriculture sector go hand-in-hand,” said provincial agriculture minister Lyle Stewart.
Other BMPs have been discontinued because they are considered common farming practice. Those relating to wells and livestock watering systems have been moved to the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program.
In total, the program includes 18 BMPs in six categories.
To be eligible, applicants must have had an environmental farm plan done within the last 10 years either individually or through an agri-environmental group plan. Individuals must own or control at least 320 acres and earn a minimum of $35,000 in farm income in the year of application.
Some BMPs require pre-approval; requests must be submitted by June 30, 2017.
Projects that don’t require pre-approval should be completed and applications submitted by Jan. 31, 2018.
For more details about the farm stewardship program, and other Growing Forward 2 initiatives, go to www.saskatchewan.ca/GrowingForward2.
