Up to $75,000 for farmers to tackle climate change

The On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) provides financial support to producers to accelerate their adoption and implementation of on-farm Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) to lower Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and support production efficiency, sustainability and resiliency on their farm operations.

To assist producers with their adoption of new BMPs, the program will offer producers grant funding and resources to support BMP implementation and provide BMP design recommendations.

Who is eligible?
Which areas are eligible for funding?
How much funding can I apply for?
Is there a cost sharing component to this?
What are the application dates and deadlines?
How do I apply?
Questions?

Who is eligible?

You are eligible for funding if you meet all of the following:

• Are an active producer, including proprietorship, corporation, or registered partnership
• Are headquartered in Alberta
• Apply funds only to lands in Alberta
• Can demonstrate a minimum of $25,000 of gross farm income in Alberta
• Have a minimum eligible project cost of $2,500
• Pay 100% of the costs upfront (no in-kind)
• Work with a Professional Agrologist (PAg) or Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) to develop a BMP Action Plan

Please note the following with respect to eligibility:

• Landlords whose only interest is in the land are not raising crops or livestock are ineligible
• Funding is intended to increase new adoption of BMPs and farmers cannot receive funding for a BMP where it is already in use
• Project costs funded from sources other than OFCAF are not eligible for reimbursement
• BMP implementation must be new to farm or field

Which areas are eligible for funding?

Improving Nitrogen Management

Examples

• Agronomic services to develop farm-specific nutrient management plans
• Equipment rental or custom rates for fertilizer application in fields
• Soil sampling and analysis

Increasing Adoption of Cover Cropping

Examples

• Payment-per-acre to cover adoption or related costs such as seed and custom seeding

Expanding the Adoption of Rotational Grazing

Examples

• Agronomic services to develop grazing management plans
• Install interior cross fencing or water system infrastructure
• Plant legumes and forages

Successful applicants will receive a pre-approved budget with their project approval. Once the project is completed, applicants are required to submit invoices for all eligible BMPs. These expenses will be reviewed by RDAR to ensure they match the approved project prior to reimbursement.

How much funding can I apply for?

Applicants are eligible to receive funding for multiple projects to a maximum grant payment of $75,000 over OFCAF’s duration from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2028.

Is there a cost sharing component to this?

Yes. Applicants are eligible for a maximum 85% reimbursement, meaning applicants must cover 15% of the cost of adopting a BMP.

What are the application dates and deadlines?

Applications open - April 9, 2025
Invoices due by - December 1, 2025
Payments sent by - March 31, 2026

How do I apply?

1. Review the Program Guide Ensure you understand the program and confirm that you are eligible.

OFCAF Program Guide

2. Review the Sub-Contribution Agreement - Be aware of your obligations and conditions for reimbursement.

RDAR-OFCAF Sub-Contribution Agreement

3. Connect with a qualified third party (PAg/CCA) to review and approve your BMP plan - Your BMPs must be recommended and approved by a Professional Agrologist (PAg) or Certified Crop Advisor (CCA).

Guide to accessing agricultural recommendations in Alberta

If you require assistance to pay agronomist fees, OFCAF applicants can apply for cost-shared funding to support agronomic and advisory services for up to 10% of their project costs to a maximum of $2,000.

4. Create your BMP Action Plan - Outline what you will do to incorporate BMP on your operation.

• Each online application requires the submission of a BMP Action Plan
• Templates are available to outline required practices to successfully integrate new BMPs to on-farm activities
• A qualified Professional Agrologist (PAg) or Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) must recommend each project prior to the submission of an online application
• Costs to develop a plan cannot exceed 10% of the total project costs to a maximum of $2,000

Cover Cropping Template
Nitrogen Management - Fertilizer Template
Nitrogen Management - Amendments Template
Nitrogen Management - Soil Testing and Mapping
Rotational Grazing Template

5. Provide aerial photos of your land - Show any land location where you may be implementing a BMP to demonstrate that it did not exist before applying to the program.

Guide to Locating and Labelling BMP Action Plans

6. Submit your application via ARGO Fax, paper, or email applications will not be accepted.

How to register for an ARGO account
Apply on ARGO

Questions?

If you have any questions about this article, need help with your grant application, or want to know more about the services we offer, please contact one of our Agriculture Accounting Experts or complete the contact form below.