OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA — A new grant program, the efficient grain dryer program, will help grain producers in Albeta, Canada invest in improvements to their grain handling systems.

Funded through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the program will help cover costs for eligible energy efficient grain drying equipment. Applicants will be able to choose equipment that makes sense for the size and volume of their agri-business and improve energy efficiency within their operations.

“I have a deep appreciation for the efforts being made by Canadian farmers to care for the land and environment,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “It is their legacy to their children. 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.”

C$2 million is available for funding under the Efficient Grain Dryer Program and eligible expenses will be cost-shared at 50% funding coming from the grant and 50% funding coming from the applicant for those in Alberta.

“Last harvest was one of the toughest for Alberta farmers,” said Devin Dreeshen, minister of Agriculture and Forestry. “Poor weather, trade irritants, rail strikes, and now a carbon tax have all hurt farmers through no fault of their own. This new program will help farmers to remain competitive and to keep producing the best high-quality food in the world.”

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, C$3-billion commitment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors.