Ducks Unlimited Canada partners with Alberta growers through Marginal Areas Program

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is partnering with farmers and ranchers in Alberta to increase profitability on marginal land.

Through the new Marginal Areas Program (MAP), DUC is supporting pollinator habitat and biodiversity, the development of buffer zones, and more.

The program offers $125/acre to seed challenging areas to perennial species, as well as a pollinator-friendly seed pack.

Farmers and ranchers interested in participating should visit ag.ducks.ca or contact Janine Paly, Agricultural Programs and Extension Specialist, DUC, directly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) included in Ducks Unlimited Canada’s fact sheet on the new Marginal Areas Program (MAP).

Why should I consider the Marginal Areas Program?

The Marginal Areas Program provides an option for farmers who’ve identified areas on their farm where:

• You are realizing a negative ROI
• Access is limited due to size of equipment
• You are looking to establish clubroot management areas
• You want to establish habitat for pollinators, beneficial insects, sequester carbon, etc.

Why is DUC delivering this program?

Increasing perennial cover on the landscape benefits biodiversity, beneficial insects and wildlife, including waterfowl. Environmental benefits also include carbon sequestration and improving soil and water quality.

What seed mixture do I have to seed to qualify?

Farmers can source seed through the retail of choice. DUC provides establishment advice to program participants. The pollinator-friendly seed pack is sourced from a reputable seed company on the prairies and includes a mixture of short- and long-lived perennial species that improve the value of the stand for pollinators specifically.

How much is the financial incentive?

DUC provides an incentive of $125/acre and supplies a bonus pollinator-friendly seed pack. The farmer is responsible for buying the forage seed mixture, establishing and maintaining the forage stand. The $125/acre incentive will be paid after establishment is confirmed.

What are the terms of agreement?

• There are no restrictions on use. Program participants can graze, hay, mow, or leave idle
• Co-operators retain management decisions for and outside of identified program parcels

Ducks Unlimited Canada supports farmers making more money by farming less land, and providing habitat at the same time.