AgricultureNewsProvincial

Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program – Pipelines

By Brynn Jones, PAg, Agriculture Programs Specialist, Prince Albert

With prolonged dry conditions, water sources have been a significant concern this summer. A safe and reliable water source can ease those worries and prepare for dry years in the future. The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) is available, under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP), to eligible producers for assistance in the form of a rebate for well, dugout and pipeline projects.

Dean Paluk of Prince Albert used the program to trench a pipeline to a field behind his main yard. “It opens things up, you don’t have to have your animals in a confined yard,” Paluk said. “I have 110 pairs of cattle and it frees up some pens and makes it easier.” This was especially true when sloughs dried up this spring.

This isn’t the first time Paluk has accessed rebates through FRWIP. He has also received rebates to dig a dugout and a well. “I applied for the dugout originally, then I put in a couple watering bowls and trenching,” Paluk said “I applied for a well under the program also.”

“I heard about the program at a meeting,” Paluk explained. “The staff helped me fill out the application to make sure I had everything I needed.” Ministry specialists are located at 10 offices around the province to help producers apply.

FRWIP is available to eligible producers and First Nations Bands for developing a secure and sustainable water source for agricultural purposes such as crop spraying, livestock watering and greenhouse production. Dugouts, pipelines and well projects are funded at 50 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $50,000.

For the period of April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, the maximum rebate for livestock producers will increase to $150,000. The first $50,000 will be based on a 50-50 cost-share and the remaining $100,000 will be on a 70-30 government-producer cost-share. The temporary increase to the maximum funding will apply to new FRWIP projects where construction was initiated after April 1, 2021 and submitted for a rebate by March 31, 2022. The program requires projects to be fully constructed and operational for agricultural use before a rebate will be issued. Special consideration may be made for livestock producers who are accessing this additional funding as long as a well, dugout or pipeline has been substantially completed and the materials required to fully complete the project have been purchased.

This program does not require pre-approval, however, applicants are responsible for ensuring the project meets program criteria prior to applying for the project rebate. Applicants are advised to thoroughly review the program guidelines and complete the self-assessment before commencing the water development project. For assistance please call your local agriculture program specialist or the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

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