Rural and remote residents face unique challenges in accessing affordable utilities and heating. To address these issues, the Alberta government has announced an investment in Budget 2025. The budget allocates $8.5 million to the Rural Utilities Program, which includes the Rural Electric Program, Rural Gas Program, Rural Water Program, and the Remote Area Heating Allowance….
Alberta is making it easier for communities, businesses, and farmers to access water by removing the 10 per cent holdback on most water license transfers. Traditionally, transferring water required holding back 10 per cent, which often meant that available water couldn’t be used by those who needed it most. To address this issue, Alberta’s government…
With an estimated 45,000 elk in Alberta and expanding herd distribution, populations at times come into conflict with agricultural producers. While recreational hunting seasons for antlerless elk have been the primary tool to manage populations, achieving harvest goals can be a challenge in some areas. In addition to new extended antlerless elk hunting seasons in…
The Government of Alberta has a new campaign, titled ‘Buy Local,’ encouraging consumers to support the province’s agriculture and food industry by choosing local products. The campaign aims to encourage people to buy from Alberta’s farmers, ranchers, and food processors who provide safe and nutritious food for Albertans, Canadians, and the world. Minister of Alberta…
Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) has announced an investment of over $7.5 million in research grants as part of the Agriculture Funding Consortium (AFC). This funding aims to deliver impactful results for Alberta’s producers. The AFC, consisting of 18 agricultural organizations, coordinates funding to support sustainability, diversification, and growth in Western Canada’s agriculture and agri-food…
The Alberta government is investing $1.8 million to construct a new road connecting Highway 873 to the JBS Food plant, aiming to improve safety and efficiency for County of Newell residents. This project will save workers up to 90 minutes daily on their commute. The project includes road construction and intersection improvements, with construction expected…
Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C) has announced Denise Schmidt as its new Executive Director. Schmidt, who has a long-standing connection to the agricultural sector, is set to enhance agricultural literacy across the nation. Schmidt’s extensive experience spans industry, producers, associations, and government. Previously, she was the Senior Director of North American Canola Business and…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Health Canada, is monitoring dairy cows for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) as part of the Government of Canada’s One Health Approach. Commercially sold milk and milk products in Canada are subject to mandatory pasteurization, which eliminates harmful…
Alberta’s agri-food industry thrives on exports, with the United States being the most crucial trade partner for both Alberta and Canada. In 2024, Alberta’s agricultural exports to the U.S. totaled $9.3 billion, reflecting a 4.3 per cent increase from the previous year. To emphasize the mutual benefits of cross-border agricultural trade, Minister of Alberta Agriculture…
PIP Lethbridge Inc., an ag-tech company specializing in yellow pea processing, received a $215,000 Sustainable CAP grant from RDAR in 2024. This funding supports the development of an advanced extraction method that maintains protein quality while removing the bitter taste and undesirable textures often found in plant proteins. In the next phase, PIP plans to…
Alberta’s government is reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship by awarding $5 million in grants through the Land Trust Grant Program. This funding will support 19 projects aimed at protecting nearly 21,000 acres of natural landscapes across the province, ensuring that landowners can continue to provide for their families will preserving vital ecosystems. Minister of…
The On-Farm Efficiency Program (OFEP) has reopened for applications, aiming to help producers enhance environmental benefits through efficient use of agricultural inputs. The program offers funding for projects that optimize the use of agricultural inputs. The program offers funding for projects that optimize the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and energy, benefiting both producers and the…