By Jason Falk, B.Sc (AgBus) Agriculture Program Specialist, Swift Current
April 2024
The Livestock Facility Emissions Program is available under the suite of programs offered through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. This program offers support to the intensive hog and sheep industries with a main goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by increasing efficiency or replacing energy sources reliant on fossil fuels in existing facilities. Additionally, there is funding available to enhance and optimize environmental efficiency with liquid manure management.
To be eligible for funding under the program, you must be 18 years of age or older and operate an intensive hog or sheep operation that confines a minimum of 300 animal units in Saskatchewan and comply with The Agriculture Operations Act. Businesses must be in operation for a minimum of two years and demonstrate a minimum gross farm income of $50,000 in the year of the application or prior in order to qualify. First Nation bands in the province are also eligible.
Source: Farm & Food Care
Funding for this pre-approval program is provided at $60 per animal unit per facility site, with eligible costs funded on a 60/40 cost-sharing basis between the government and the applicant. Eligible applicants, including those with multiple facilities, can receive funding for more than one project. The maximum funding available is $500,000 over the five-year life of the program.
A great place to start with this program is having a third party complete an efficiency analysis or energy audit. This analysis provides customized recommendations for each facility. Costs associated with an efficiency analysis or energy audit are eligible for reimbursement under this program. Other examples of expenses that are eligible under this program include roof and wall insulation, replacing doors and/or windows to improve energy efficiency, as well as replacing less efficient heating systems, such as boilers, with more efficient systems. When it comes to liquid manure management, investing in specialized or modification of equipment for improved application such as liquid injection are all eligible. Producers are encouraged to visit the program webpage for more details regarding eligible expenses.
For more information, contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 to speak to your regional agriculture programs specialist.