Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership | On-Farm Efficiency

Description

The intent of the On-Farm Efficiency Program (OFEP) is to support producers in achieving environmental benefits by improving the efficient use of agricultural inputs. These practices contribute to environmental sustainability by: reducing emissions minimizing chemical runoff promoting the efficient use of natural resources New technologies that are progressive, commercially available, and that have already been successful in Alberta are most likely to be successful in applications.

Important dates

The On-Farm Efficiency Program (OFEP) is now closed to applications. OFEP will re-open to applications in April 2026. 

Overview

The intent of the On-Farm Efficiency Program (OFEP) is to support producers in achieving environmental benefits by improving the efficient use of agricultural inputs. These practices contribute to environmental sustainability by:

• reducing emissions
• minimizing chemical runoff
• promoting the efficient use of natural resources

New technologies that are progressive, commercially available, and that have already been successful in Alberta are most likely to be successful in applications.

Program details

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Funding

• There is limited funding in the program. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and evaluated according to the eligibility criteria and funding availability.
• Submission of a completed application does not guarantee that the applicant will receive payment under this program.

Maximums

The overall program funding maximum per applicant is $150,000 over the duration of the program term (2024-2028).

The minimum funding per application is $500.

The program has 4 Streams. The maximum funding per Stream over the duration of the program is:

• $50,000 for Smart Farm Technology
• $50,000 for Energy Efficiency
• $2,000 for Farm Security
• $100,000 for Efficient Grain Handling

For some eligible Items, there is a maximum grant. See the OFEP Funding List for further information.

Cost share

Eligible expenses will be cost-shared at 50% grant and 50% applicant, except insulation, which is funded per square footage as stated in the Funding List.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants

• Primary producer that is:
  • responsible for the day-to-day management of an agricultural operation (such as an annual crop, bee, or livestock operation) in Alberta that produces at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually
  • responsible for input costs for that operation
  • not a landlord whose only interest in the operation is ownership
• Approved Indigenous applicants (First Nation, Métis Nation, Inuit)

Environmental Farm Plan (EFP)

An applicant must have a current EFP certificate or letter of completion or must be able to receive an EFP certificate or letter of completion to submit with their final report. To be valid, your EFP must have been completed within the 10 years prior to the date your proposal is received. To get started on your EFP, visit: Alberta Environmental Farm Plan.

Funding list and eligible items

Eligible items are organized by the program’s 4 streams. See the OFEP Funding List for Eligible Items and for details on eligible and non-eligible expenses.

Before you apply

There is limited funding under this program each fiscal year, so funding is not guaranteed. If your application is not approved, you will not be reimbursed for any expenses associated with your project. All expenses prior to April 1, 2023, are ineligible.

Reimbursement requirements

To be reimbursed for expenses, successful applicants must include all of the following:

• Invoices with the same legal name stated on your application.
• Invoices dated after April 1, 2023.
• Proof of payment (processed cheque, credit card statement, etc.) for all invoices, and proof of payment with the same legal name on your application.
• Official company voucher(s) and proof of payment for any cash payments.
• Barter, exchange transactions and transactions between persons related by blood, marriage, adoption, common-law relationships, or close-business ties are not eligible for reimbursement.

Application information

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Determine whether you are eligible by reviewing the OFEP Terms and Conditions.

Confirm that the proposed purchases are eligible. Eligible items are listed in:

• OFEP Funding List

Step 2: Complete application form

To help expedite processing time, review the OFEP Comprehensive Application Guide to ensure your application is completed correctly.

Step 3: Submit application form

Completed application forms and supporting documents can be submitted by email or mail. Email is strongly preferred. However, in cases where email is not possible, mailed applications will be accepted.

Email:

Send PDF applications to: ofep@gov.ab.ca

Note: Ensure the application form is in the fillable PDF format when submitted. This format allows for your application to be uploaded directly to our system reducing application processing time. A separate signature page can be manually signed, scanned and attached.

Mail:

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, On-Farm Efficiency Program
Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation
Suite 303, 7000 113 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta  T6H 5T6

What happens next

Application processing is underway. We appreciate your patience as we review applications and will communicate your application status as soon as possible.