Cdn. gov’t invests in green agri-tech

Jun 17, 2021

The Agricultural Clean Technology Program will support the research and adoption of environmentally sustainable technologies by farms and agri-businesses

By Jackie Clark
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Farmers and agri-businesses can now apply for funding from the $165.7 million Agricultural Clean Technology Program, according to a June 16 release from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

Successful applicants “will have access to funding to help develop and adopt the latest clean technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance their competitiveness,” said a June 4 AAFC release, initially announcing the program.

The Agricultural Clean Technology Program contains two streams: The Adoption Stream and The Research and Innovation Stream. Projects under both streams will prioritize green energy, precision agriculture, and bioeconomy solutions, according to AAFC.

The Adoption Stream will run for five years, until 2025. “Eligible recipients will have access to non-repayable contributions for projects that are at least $50,000 in total cost. AAFC will contribute up to 50% for projects with for-profit recipients and up to 75% for not-for-profit recipients,” the June 4 release explained.

The government has specifically allocated $50 million for purchasing more efficient grain dryers and $10 million for moving away from diesel to cleaner energy sources under The Adoption Stream. For-profit and not-for-profit organizations, as well as individuals, sole proprietors, and Indigenous groups across Canada can apply for funding under this stream.

The Research and Innovation Stream, however, is only open to Canadian for-profit and not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous groups, and will run until 2028. This stream aims to “support pre-market innovation including research, development, demonstration and commercialization of agricultural clean technologies,” said the June 16 release.

Canadian farmers and agri-food business owners "constantly innovate and find new approaches to sustainably feed Canada and the world,” said Neil Ellis, parliamentary secretary to the minister of agriculture and agri-food. “Through the new Agricultural Clean Technology program, the Government of Canada is continuing to support their efforts by encouraging research, development and adoption of clean technologies to help protect the environment and grow their businesses.”

Individuals and organizations can apply continuously until all the funding has been committed. To learn more about eligibility and application for the Adoption Stream, click here, and for the Research and Innovation Stream, click here.

sasapanchenko\iStock\Getty Images Plus photo

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