Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program Promotes Sustainable Farming Practices
The Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP), under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative, support producers in implementing sustainable farming practices across Alberta, with a primary focus on enhancing environmental resilience. By supporting producers in the adoption of beneficial management practices (BMPs), RALP aims to maximize the provision of Ecological Goods & Services (EG&S), including increased carbon sequestration and enhanced climate resilience.
A key feature of RALP is providing grants that may cover up to one hundred percent of eligible expenses for approved projects over a three-year term. These projects include a range of beneficial management practices aimed at improving ecological function on agricultural lands, benefiting producers and the environment.
Eligible projects include pasture management and riparian area management, among others. Pasture management projects may involve fencing and off-site watering systems to manage livestock access for rotational grazing, reducing the pressure exerted on natural resources by livestock. While riparian area management projects focus on protecting riparian areas — areas around rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands — through measures such as fencing and off-site watering systems. Riparian area management adds habitat for wildlife and water management function to the landscape.
To qualify for funding, applicants must demonstrate that their BMP projects meet the minimum requirements. Applicants may choose to adopt allowable enhancements to further enhance the environmental benefits of their projects. In addition to covering applicant’s implementation costs, the program may pay an opportunity cost for some BMPs. An impact adjustment payment of up to fifteen percent may also be added to the total grant amount based on factors including project size, carbon sequestration potential, and water quality enhancement.
The program funding maximum is $150,000 for active primary producers and $300,000 for grazing associations, community pastures, and Indigenous applicants. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a continuous basis within the intake period: February 1 to November 30, 2024.
It’s important to note that successful applicants must complete and implement their eligible BMP activities within the first year and maintain them for the remainder of the three-year agreement. Applications are only retroactive to the start date of each intake cycle year. Projects must be established within the term of each intake cycle.
For more information about the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program and how to apply, visit https://www.alberta.ca/resilient-agricultural-landscape-program. To get one-on-one help with your application, call 1-866-310-RALP or email info@RALP.ca.
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