A new grant program is now available to help grain producers invest in improvements to their grain handling systems.

"I have a deep appreciation for the efforts being made by Canadian farmers to care for the land and environment. It is their legacy to their children. A sixth generation farmer recently told me, 'if you don't care for the land, you're not in business'. We all know how hard 2019 was for many farmers, and that weather is increasingly unpredictable. Our Government is listening and finding solutions for farmers."

- The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"Last harvest was one of the toughest for Alberta farmers. Poor weather, trade irritants, rail strikes, and now a carbon tax have all hurt farmers through no fault of their own. This new program will help farmers to remain competitive and to keep producing the best high-quality food in the world.”

- Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

• $2 million dollars is available under the Efficient Grain Dryer Program.

• The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3-billion commitment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors.

• Eligible expenses will be cost-shared at 50 percent funding coming from the grant and 50 percent funding coming from the applicant.

• For many Alberta producers, the 2019 farming season was difficult.

• Dry early season conditions, causing drought, frost and even wildfire, led to germination challenges in parts of the province.

• In July and August, many parts of the province received precipitation at levels well above long-term averages, which led to difficult growing conditions for crops and significant challenges during haying.

• Rain, early snow and sub-zero temperatures slowed the progress of the 2019 harvest across the province. For most areas, harvest finished in early November, and farmers are facing large amounts of unharvested acres.

Associated links

• Canadian Agricultural Partnership
• Efficient Grain Dryer Program
• Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)

Oliver Anderson
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
oliver.anderson@canada.ca
613-462-4327

Adrienne South
Press Secretary
Agriculture and Forestry
adrienne.south@gov.ab.ca|
780-293-4684