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Building A Unified Voice for Agriculture: Agriculture Updates, Supports, and News: October 2024

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Building A Unified Voice for Agriculture: Agriculture Updates, Supports, and News: October 2024

Community Chamber

Agriculture Updates since September 2024

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Rangeland Sustainability Program Accepting Applications
The Rangeland Sustainability Program works to promote the conservation and long-term sustainability of Alberta’s rangelands and the ecosystem services these working landscapes provide. Alberta’s Rangelands provide many ecological goods and services that benefit all Albertans.

Organizations can apply for grant funding for projects promoting the conservation and long-term sustainability of Alberta’s rangelands. The application deadline is October 16th.  Learn More and Apply

Make a Difference in Alberta’s Agriculture Industry
The Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving as a member on the Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council. Learn More and Apply

Canadian Food Inspection Agency Advises Against Canadian Cattle Travelling to and Participating in Agricultural Exhibitions in the United States
Since early 2024, the United States has reported outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cows in several states. Due to the presence of HPAI (H5N1) in the U.S. dairy cattle population, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) advises against all Canadian cattle travelling to and participating in agricultural exhibitions in the U.S. at this time. Learn More

Results of the Inaugural Canadian Cow-Calf Survey
The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), in collaboration with Canfax Research Services and regional representatives, recently took a snapshot of production practices that have been adopted by cow-calf producers across the country, as well as performance measures of their herds. More Here

North American AgTech Accelerator
For your awareness, the Trade Commissioner Service has launched a new program to help ag-tech companies expand in the North American market. The deadline for applications is October 30th. Apply Here

Are you ready to grow your company in the United States (US) and Mexico?

Valued at more than USD $7.5B in 2024, the North American agriculture technology (Agtech) sector presents robust opportunities for Canadian companies seeking long-term growth and investment.

The US continues to dominate the global AgTech investment landscape, capturing more than 45% of the USD $11.9B raised worldwide. Poised for particularly strong growth are companies offering solutions in bioenergy and biomaterials as well as agricultural marketplaces and fintech.

Mexico is the 11th largest agriculture and agri-food producer in the world. Mexican producers are seeking a wide range of agricultural machinery, equipment, and other innovative technologies that enable producers to improve quality, increase productivity, and ensure food safety.

The North American AgTech Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) will help guide your strategic growth in key markets in the US (California and the Upper Midwest) and Mexico.

Improved Soil Moisture - Delayed Harvest Progress
All regions across the province received precipitation which, while expected to improve soil moisture, delayed harvest progress over the past week. Harvest of pulse crops is nearing completion, while the harvest of spring wheat and barley are the current focus for most producers. Recent rains have reportedly lowered the quality expectations of unharvested cereal crops. Harvest of canola is progressing as weather permits, with producers finding themselves waiting for their crop to dry. Read the Crop Report

Hidden Hazards - the Challenge with Mycotoxins in Beef Cattle Diets
Often hidden hazards in beef cattle diets, mycotoxins can create a variety of problems including impaired immune response which can lead to secondary infections, compromised growth rates, reduced reproductive performance, lameness and gangrene. Illnesses caused by mycotoxins can be difficult to identify and treatment with antibiotics has little to no effect. More Here

Funding Updates 

Better Community Drought and Flood Protection
Drought conditions affected parts of the province this summer, while other communities have faced flooding in recent years. Building the local infrastructure needed to protect residents, property and critical infrastructure is costly, but necessary.
To help, more than $19 million is now available through the Drought and Flood Protection Program to help communities build the infrastructure they need. This is part of the five-year, $125-million program that’s helping municipalities and First Nations protect critical infrastructure from flooding and drought and improve public safety. Learn More

Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) Accepting Applications
AEEP funding helps Alberta export-ready small- and medium-sized enterprises, industry associations, Indigenous organizations and economic development organizations, enhance access to international markets and attract global buyers. Apply Here

On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) Re-opens for a Limited Number of Applications
After reviewing and approving more than 1,000 applications, RDAR recently announced the re-opening of the 2024 OFCAF program for an additional intake of 150 funding applications. The new intake will fulfill RDAR’s commitment to distributing all available OFCAF funds to Alberta producers, enabling them to adopt impactful, sustainable changes on their farms and ranches. More Here, ARGO online application system

Funding Opportunities
Curious which funding stream is right for you?
RDAR currently has two opportunities open to access funding:
•    Accelerating Agricultural Innovations 2.0
•    Producer Research and Evaluation Program
Learn more about RDAR funding opportunities here

Grant Funding for Alberta Producers
Alberta producers, processors and organizations who are looking to secure funding for an upcoming project through Sustainable CAP should be mindful of where they are getting information. Learn More Here

New Sustainable Agricultural Partnership program
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership has launched a new program called the On-Farm Efficiency Program (OFEP). OFEP was created by combining the past Farm Technology Program and Efficient Grain Handling Program, along with some new opportunities that were selected in response to industry feedback collected in the fall of 2023. The intent of the On-Farm Efficiency Program is to support producers in achieving environmental benefits by improving the efficient use of agricultural inputs. The Program funds primary producers to carry out projects that optimize the use of inputs such as fertilizer, pesticides and energy. When inputs reach their targets with precision, it is a win-win for producers and the environment: producers save money, fewer inputs are applied off-target, and fewer emissions are released to the atmosphere. This program has four Streams. An applicant may apply to any or all of the Program Streams:

  • Smart Farm Technology
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Farm Security
  • Efficient Grain Handling

The program opened for applications on August 14, 2024 and funding is retroactive to April 1, 2023. Eligible expenses are funded at a cost-share rate of 50%. The funding maximum per applicant is $150,000 over the duration of the Program (2023-2028). 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, and $100,000 for Efficient Grain Handling. For some Eligible Items, there is a maximum grant stated in the Funding List.

While on the Sustainable CAP website go to the bottom of the home page, enter your email, and click ‘send’ to start receiving regular Sustainable CAP updates. Please visit the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership page for program information, including how to apply. 

Agriculture Labour Task Force Grant Program 
This grant supports producers and processors recruit, hire, and retain workers in the agriculture and agri-food industry. Two grant streams are available. One to improve awareness of related careers and another to support improving HR practices and capacity. Find out more.

AgriDiversity Program
The AgriDiversity Program aims to help under-represented groups in Canadian agriculture, including youth, women, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities, to fully participate in the sector by helping these groups address the key issues and barriers they often face for sector participation. Find out more.

4 Key Details to Know About Venture Capital Funding
What food and beverage processors need to know about accessing funds through venture capital funding. Learn More

Producer Research and Evaluation Program
RDAR's Producer Research and Evaluation Program (PREP) was created to support on-farm research allowing producers to evaluate emerging technologies, products and production practices. On-farm research will support new strategies to be tested within unique farm conditions and to support decision making with data advancing profitability, competitiveness and sustainability.
The maximum total funding available for PREP is $1 million in 2024 Learn more about RDAR funding

Sowing Seeds of Success for Future Farmers
Agriculture is essential to Alberta’s history, economy and future prosperity. Over the past 20 years, the number of young and middle-aged producers in agriculture has seen steep declines, while the number of farmers over 55 has increased. The province is aiming to help reverse that trend with changes to Agriculture Financial Services Corporation’s Next Generation Loan program (Next Gen). More Here

Enhancing the Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program  
The governments of Alberta and Canada are enhancing the Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program with a $1.9 million investment to support Alberta Beef Producers. Last year, beef was Alberta's largest agri-food export at $3.9 billion, making up 22 per cent of the province’s total. Under this initiative, farmers and ranchers can receive up to $5,000 for expenses that align their operations with VBP+ certification guidelines. Learn more 

Supporting Genomics Innovation in Alberta
New funding from the province will support cutting-edge genomics research in health, agriculture and environmental technology. The province is investing $15 million over three years into Genome Alberta, a not-for-profit research funding organization working toward a better future through genomic innovation. Read More Here

Protecting Communities from Drought and Floods
Drought and floods can damage homes and businesses, disrupt critical infrastructure and, in extreme scenarios, pose a serious threat to public safety. In recent years, the impacts of drought and flooding have been felt across Alberta. More Here - Drought and Flood Protection Program

Labour Resources

Dive into issue #6 of AgriWorkforce Matters
"It’s harvest time for many of you, and as we edge away from the warmer months of summer and into the cooler days and nights of fall, we know that soon Canadians from every region will be gathering at Thanksgiving tables laden with the fruits (and every other kind of food) of your labour." - Jennifer Wright, Executive Director Read it Here

2024 Survey of Compensation Practices in Canadian Agriculture - Executive Summary Report
Across Canada, the highly competitive nature of the talent marketplace has made it an increasingly difficult landscape for agricultural producers to navigate. This salary survey and human resource benchmarking initiative equips producers with relevant and practical data resources to better compete in today’s workplace. More Here

Free Counselling Sessions
Farming is 24-7-365, but you don't have to handle it alone. Get support from AgKnow's farm-informed counsellors and get up to four free counselling sessions. This program covers counselling sessions for farmers, their families, farm employees, veterinarians and registered veterinarian technicians. Learn more and book a counselling session.

Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)
Growing Opportunities through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) is available. Visit the SWPP Application Page and complete the online application form. If you'd like to learn more about SWPP, including eligibility criteria and detailed program information, please visit the website. For any questions or additional information, reach out to Megan Lockhart at mlockhart@cahrc-ccrha.ca. 

Phase 2 of the Recognized Employer Pilot under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Employers are now able to submit applications for positions on Service Canada’s Phase 2 Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) occupations list. These 84 occupations are in high-demand and show shortage conditions based on the Canadian Occupational Projection System assessment of recent labour market conditions (2019-2021). The deadline to submit applications to become a recognized employer is September 16, 2024, however recognized employers will continue to have access to simplified applications for the 84 designated occupations until the end of the pilot on December 31, 2026. If you have questions on the REP, please visit Canada.ca or contact the Employer Contact Centre. 

Health and Safety on Alberta Farms and Ranches
A guide to rights and obligations for farmers and workers under Alberta's OHS legislation. Provides information about hazard identification and control, incident reporting and investigations.https://ohs-bstore.labour.alberta.ca/bp029 

AgSafe FarmSafe Plan Learning Program Launched
This is a free, self-paced learning program that introduces Alberta producers to health and safety fundamentals and explains how to apply this information to their specific operations. It was designed for both family farms and farms with employees. It will walk you through creating a farm-specific health and safety program, explain why these elements are needed, and support you in putting your farm’s health and safety program into action. Learn more and register.

If you have farm-specific health and safety questions or require support relating to health and safety on your farm, please contact AgSafe Alberta at info@agsafeab.ca.   You may be eligible for onsite farm visits and up to 10 hours of advisor support at no cost!

Agriculture Job Connector: https://www.alberta.ca/agriculture-job-connector.aspx 

We were pleased to launch our partnership with the Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council at our Ag-Forum on February 21. For anyone interested in the HR toolkit, please use this QR code to gain access to the free HR Toolkit offered during the program.


Events, Webinars and Podcasts

FCC Events including Business Plan Boot Camp & Young Farmer Summit: https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/knowledge/events.html

Agri-News online - www.alberta.ca/agri-news.aspx and upcoming events

Other Resources

As always, you can always find more agribusiness resources on our website: https://www.southeastalbertachamber.ca/agribusiness-resources/

If you know of someone who may be interested in the work we are doing and might be interested in investing in this work through membership, please feel free to refer them to us. You can also encourage others to subscribe to our agriculture updates through this page. We look forward to continuing our work with you and pushing for our collective priorities on your behalf.

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