Energy-intensive farm operations will receive additional funding of $10 million through the Climate Change and Emissions Management Fund to support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
Expanded agriculture energy efficiency programs funded through the federal-provincial-territorial Growing Forward 2 agreement:
On-Farm Energy Management Program
Assists with the purchase of equipment that improves energy efficiency or monitors energy consumption. This includes lighting, pumps, meters, boilers, heaters and low-energy, livestock-watering fountains. New provincial investment changes eligible costs coverage from 35% to 70% to the maximum of $750,000 (from $50,000).
On-Farm Solar PV Program
Assists producers with the purchase of grid-connected solar panel systems that can be used to generate electricity and reduce emissions on farms.
Irrigation Efficiency Program
Helps producers invest in new or upgraded low-pressure irrigation equipment, improving water efficiency and reducing energy use. New provincial investment allows for increase of the number of eligible projects by an applicant and increases the funding cap for specific types of projects from $5,000 to $15,000.
Accelerating Agricultural Innovation Program
Two streams are available:
- for agricultural societies, industry organizations and producer groups to collaborate through proof-of-concept and commercialization of new products, new processes or new business practices in Alberta.
- for primary producers, agri-processors and other for-profit companies to assist with the early adoption of new technologies or practices that have the potential for sector-wide impact. The Climate Change and Emissions Management Fund allocates $1 million to help food processors retrofit their plants with energy-saving technology.
The programs are projected to mitigate 120,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year, which is the equivalent of taking more than 25,000 vehicles off the road for an entire year.