VBP+ Incentive funds available for Alberta producers

The Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program is offering opportunities for Alberta producers to strengthen their operations through training, certification, and funding support. Cale Place, Alberta VBP+ Coordinator, is working directly with producers across the province to support their utilization of the program.

“Many producers across Alberta are already putting the VBP+ program to work in practical ways,” says Place. “My role is to help make it as straightforward as possible — whether that’s guiding an application, answering questions, or helping an operation get started with training or certification.”

The Alberta VBP+ Incentive program, made possible by $1.9 million in funding through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, recognizes producers’ efforts to improve on-farm practices and strengthen public trust.

As of August, the program has been available for one year. In that time, just over $500,000 has already gone out to 182 producers — about half of the available funding. Producers are encouraged to apply to access the remaining dollars.

“With about half of the funding still available, now is a great time for producers to look at projects that could benefit from support,” says Place. “Even small improvements can make a big difference to cattle flow, biosecurity, and overall herd health.”

Wide range of eligible expenses

Producers who have completed VBP+ training since 2016 can apply for up to $2,500 in funding, and operations that have completed certification can apply for an additional $2,500, for a total of $5,000. Projects are funded at 50 percent, with a minimum claim of $500 and a minimum rebate of $250. Multiple projects can be submitted up to the program maximum.

Eligible expenses include free-standing panels for segregation pens, upgrades to cattle handling systems that improve flow, load cells for scales, maternity pens, certification fees, and voluntary veterinarian assessments. Many of these upgrades directly support biosecurity and animal welfare improvements on farm. Expenditures must have been made after April 1, 2023 to align with the program’s term.

A full list of eligible project expenses and key details can be found online. While this list covers many of the projects that have been submitted by producers to date, operations are welcome to submit alternative ideas of biosecurity and animal welfare improvements for pre-approval under the Incentive program.

“Each operation is unique, and producers are encouraged to implement solutions that work best for them,” says Place.

Straightforward process

Applying for the Alberta VBP+ Incentive is simple. Producers fill out a brief online or paper form, which includes some basic information about the operation to facilitate payment. Then, the form asks producers to upload invoices or receipts for the costs being submitted with a brief description of the project undertaken, including any photos. The form is designed to be easy to follow and quick to complete. Questions about the application can be submitted by emailing abgrant@verifiedbeef.ca. 

Producers who are not yet trained or certified under the VBP+ program are encouraged to reach out to Cale at calep@albertabeef.org. Cale can assist with accessing VBP+ online training, preparing your operation for certification, or answering any questions you may have.