As well, the province is making sure agricultural research is led by farmers, not government.
Rural communities generate billions of dollars in economic activity each year, led by key sectors like agriculture and forestry, which combine to employ nearly 100,000 Albertans.
Government is being open and transparent about funding and priorities. This predictable, long-term funding is critical to help rural organizations plan for the future.
Agricultural societies
- Core funding for agricultural societies is being maintained at $11.5 million per year.
- Agricultural societies operate more than 700 facilities across the province, including hockey rinks, curling rinks, community halls and facilities that serve rodeos and fairs, farmers markets, 4-H activities, agriculture and farm safety education.
Farmer-led research
- Government is fulfilling its commitment to make sure agricultural research is led by farmers, not government.
- Over the winter, engagements will take place with farmers to determine their research priorities, and then programs will be built to support them.
- In the meantime, government is reducing red tape and streamlining how government-led research is delivered.
- Members of the Agricultural Research and Extension Council of Alberta will now have more access to government funding for agricultural research projects by applying for Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) grants. There are more programs available under CAP for projects, and we are setting aside $2 million specifically for research.
Irrigation districts
- Government will invest $48 million over four years, with $14 million in 2019-20 for irrigation infrastructure rehabilitation projects.
- Next year, government will provide $10 million in funding, increasing to $12 million in annual funding after that.
- Providing predictable, long-term funding is critical to help irrigation districts plan.
Rural utilities
- Funding for rural utilities grants has been maintained.
- The capital grant for rural utilities for 2019-20 will be $3.4 million (this includes rural electric and rural gas).
- The Rural Gas Grant will increase by $2.45 million starting in 2021-22.
Source : Alberta Agriculture