Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable Agriculture

The Beaver County Agricultural Service Board is dedicated to educating producers on the latest advancements in sustainable agriculture while providing opportunities to make informed decisions that support both present and future farming success. 

Our sustainable agriculture services include: 

  • Promoting agricultural best management practices and educating landowners on their responsibilities regarding agricultural pests, weeds, soil conservation, and animal diseases. 
  • Advising and assisting producers in vegetation, soil, land, and water management to enhance economic viability within Beaver County under the ASB Act. 
  • Providing information on shelterbelts and tree health.
  • Conducting applied research and demonstration projects. 
  • Coordinating programs that integrate Federal, Provincial, and Municipal government initiatives.
  • Advocating for local producer's needs and concerns related to government policies. 

For information on upcoming workshops hosted by Beaver County, visit the County's Governance Calendar or follow us on social media. To suggest a workshop topic, contact the Agricultural Services team at 780-663-3730. 

Environmental Farm Plan

The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is an opportunity to assess areas of strength and potential environmental risks on a farming operation. It provides a farm with increased awareness of areas of potential environmental concern and helps outline site-specific, individualized plans to address, monitor or compensate these risks. It is voluntary and free, and it considers the farming operation as a whole. The EFP program offers all of this in an easy to use, flexible, online format.   

Effective April 1, 2018, producers will need to have an EFP completion letter dated within the last 10 years, of the date of application, to be considered current and eligible for cost-share funding with the Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change programs of the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (CAP). 

If you would like assistance with: 

  • Completing a previous EFP that has been started, OR  
  • Starting a new online WebBook 

Please contact Jonathan Culbert at 780-663-3730 or by using the Agriculture option in the contact form.  

Additional information on the Environmental Farm Plan Program can be found at: http://www.albertaefp.com/ 

Battle River Research Group

In partnership with Beaver County, the Battle RIver Research Group conducts research trials, hosts workshops, and provides information to producers on agricultural best management practices, funding opportunities, and agricultural innovations. 

For information on upcoming workshops, field days, or seminars, refer to the Battle River Research Group’s website: Agriculture Research Farmers | Battle River Research Group | Canada 

Funding Opportunities

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) 

To support continued innovation, growth and prosperity, the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) has launched its programs. This 5‐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 Sustainable CAP framework represents a cost-shared federal-provincial investment of $508 million over 5 years towards strategic programs and services for the agriculture and agri-food industry in Alberta.  

Subscribe to the quarterly newsletter using the form at the bottom of the webpage to keep up to date with Sustainable CAP info. 

Sustainable CAP

 

On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) 

OFCAF provides financial support to producers to accelerate their adoption and implementation of on-farm Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) to lower Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, support production efficiency, sustainability and resiliency on their farm operations. 

To assist producers with their adoption of new BMPs, the program will offer producers resources to support BMP implementation and provide BMP design recommendations. 

Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) is a delivery partner, selected by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, to distribute funds associated with this program. 

For more information:

RDAR – OFCAF

 

Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) 

The Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program’s (RALP) objective is to accelerate the adoption of Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) that maximize provision of Ecological Goods & Services (EG&S), particularly increased carbon sequestration and enhanced climate resilience. 

Elgible projects that producers can apply for include pasture management, cropland conversion, tree establishment, and wetland protection. 

For more information on the program’s eligibility and criteria:

Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program

Reimbursement for Attendance at an Agricultural Event

Under the Agricultural Educational Opportunities for Rural Landowners Policy, County Council shall provide financial assistance to rural landowners who attend agricultural events that provide opportunities for education with an agricultural focus. Click here to view the Policy and Application Form. 

Educational opportunities shall be determined at the sole discretion of the County and may include conferences, field days, and seminars related to the agricultural industry; that promote the sustainability of agriculture, and implementation of best management practices.  

Eligible residents shall be reimbursed for the registration fee for the agricultural event, to a maximum of $100 per participant.  
 
If you wish to request reimbursement for an agricultural event you are attending, contact the County Office by phone or e-mail prior to the event. For more information on this opportunity, contact Jonathan Culbert, Agricultural Fieldman, Beaver County at 780-663-3730.