A grain dryer on-site at Flaman Sales, Rentals & Fitness Lethbridge - located off Highway 3 as you drive into Coaldale (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

New grant announced to help upgrade farmers’ grain handling equipment

Feb 10, 2020 | 5:16 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The province has announced a new grant program aimed at helping farmers.

The Efficient Grain Dryer Program will assist in covering costs for eligible grain dryer improvements.

Drying grain helps prevent any spoilage while the grain is in storage.

Applicants to the new program will have the opportunity to choose equipment that works best in relation to the size and volume of their agri-business as well as which improves energy efficiency within their operations.

In a notice from the provincial government, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau said, “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.”

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“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 program is being funded through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, with $2-million dollars available under the Efficient Grain Dryer Program.

Eligible expenses will be cost-shared, with 50 percent funding from the grant and 50 percent from the applicant.

“Last harvest was one of the toughest for Alberta farmers. Poor weather, trade irritants, rail strikes and a carbon tax have all hurt farmers through no fault of their own,” said Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.

“This new program will help farmers remain competitive and keep producing the best high-quality food in the word.”

The program will be retroactive to April 1, 2018, in order to accommodate around 100 applicants who have been waiting since then and for those who may not have known about the program and purchased eligible equipment within the last two years.

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3-billion commitment by the federal, provincial and territorial governments to support the country’s agri-food and agri-product sectors.