It's time to apply for agricultural programs

As we approach the final months of the current fiveyear Canadian Agricultural Partnership, you may be asking yourself, “Is there still time to apply for funding?”

Well, you’re in luck—for most programs, producers have until March 15, 2023 to send in their claims or rebate applications. However, don’t wait: if you’re planning on making some improvements regarding water development, environmental sustainability and risk management, now is the time to start.

Some of the programs available to Saskatchewan producers include:

• Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) - FRWIP has been one of the most popular programs, especially with the extreme dry conditions we experienced during the past couple of years. FRWIP provides a 50 per cent rebate on eligible expenses to a maximum of $50,000 for the development of new water sources (dugouts, pipelines and wells) for agricultural use or for the expansion of existing dugouts. FRWIP is a rebate program, so producers who have already developed a new water source should submit their rebate claim forms after their water project is completed. Consider this program if you need to develop a new sustainable water source for your operation.

• Irrigation Development and Efficiency Programming - This pre-approval program supports sustainable agriculture water management and adaptation to climate change by expanding irrigation development and improving irrigation efficiencies.

• Farm Stewardship Program - This program provides support and financial assistance for producers to implement nine different beneficial management practices (BMPs) that enhance sustainability and resiliency in the sector. This includes funding for seeding forages, fencing, relocation of livestock facilities

and drainage stewardship BMPs.

• Assurance Systems Producer Program - This program is designed to provide support to producers and Crown land pasture grazing associations in the apiculture, beef cattle, bison, cervid, dairy, goats, poultry, sheep and swine sectors through rebates on eligible equipment. The purpose of the program is to increase participation in biosecurity and animal welfare initiatives.

• Agricultural Skills and Knowledge (ASK) Program - ASK provides a rebate to help producers access training related to farm management. Look at the list of eligible courses and training activities, as it’s always a good idea to keep learning.

Not sure where to begin? Not sure which program would benefit your operation? We have a team of specialists ready to help you answer these and other questions. “As program specialists, we want to know about your

operation and what your needs are,” Agriculture Programs Specialist, Brynn Jones said. “Through a conversation, we can match you up with the program(s) best suited for you.”

Our specialists can also make sure you have everything you need to apply. Often applicants miss required project information, which can delay the process. “We know the programs, the requirements and the applications,” Jones added. “We take the guess work out of the process and make sure your application is complete.”

With less than one year remaining in the current suite of programs, we encourage all producers to make use of them. Please contact your nearest agriculture programs specialist for detailed information on program eligibility and deadlines, call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 or visit our CAP page. In addition, stay tuned for program details under the new 5-year Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership which will launch April 1, 2023

Compton is a Communications Consultant, Saskatchewan Agriculture Communications Branch, Regina