By Nick Dunn
Our governing bodies wanted to help producers to become more sustainable, so they launched a partnership in 2023. This partnership, a joint federal, provincial, and territorial effort, represents a new chapter in Canada’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. The vision behind Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) has been built and enhanced from the previous framework Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP). SCAP has a purpose to create an agricultural system that is not only economically viable but also environmentally responsible and socially inclusive. This vision aligns with Canada’s broader commitments to combat climate change, protect natural resources, and support rural communities. Sustainability is the ability to maintain or support a process continually over time. Sustainability can lead to conservation which will support our producers with their efforts to feed the world. From an agronomy background, soil conservation is key. Our relationship with our soils is still relatively early, and we have had many changes with new technologies and inputs over the past 100 years. Being aware of our soil health is essential for long-term food security; our soil is our foundation, and our foundation is life itself.
In April 2023, Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) was launched with $500 million in new funds, representing a 25% increase in the cost-shared portion. This five‐year (2023-2028), $3.5 billion investment includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and $2.5 billion in cost-shared programs and activities by federal-provincial-territorial governments. The SCAP framework represents a cost-shared federal-provincial investment of $508 million over five years towards strategic programs and services for the agriculture and agri-food industry in Alberta.
These SCAP grant programs are accessible to Albertan farmers, ranchers and processors and include the following streams: Emerging Opportunities, On-Farm Efficiency, On-Farm Value-Added, Resiliency and Public Trust, Resilient Agricultural Landscape, Value added, Water, Accelerating Agricultural Innovations and Business Risk Management Programs such as Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC). It’s safe to say there are many opportunities under SCAP for producers to address challenges, seize new opportunities and open new markets (diversification), and strengthen their resilience. Take advantage of them; it is competitive for the limited funding.
One striking new program is the On-Farm Efficiency Program that opened for applications on August 14, 2024. The program has funding streams that include energy efficiency, farm security, efficient grain handling and smart farm technology, all of which seems fitting and current for eligible Flagstaff farmers, ranchers, and processors. The overall program funding maximum per applicant is $150,000 which also presents ample opportunities for increasing efficiencies within agribusinesses. For program eligibility, more information, and how to apply, visit their website at: www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap. Environmental Farm Plans do act as a pre-requisite for SCAP funding, and we can support you by developing those plans which have also moved to the online format. There are two upcoming virtual workshops for EFP on September 18 and 26, 2024. To register, you can email info@albertaefp.com or call 587-200-2552. Under SCAP, there are sources to help with risk management and financials that AFSC can provide. This can include crop and livestock insurance, income stabilization and lending. It’s important to stay updated with current programming as it can change year to year depending on the needs of Albertan producers.
Nick Dunn is Flagstaff County’s Agricultural Fieldman. He can be reached via email at: ndunn@flagstaff.ab.ca or by phone at: 780-384-4138.