New program launches to boost agricultural sustainability

This article was first published in Volume 4 Issue 3 of ABP Magazine (September 2024). Watch for more digital content from the magazine on ABP Daily.

The On-Farm Efficiency Program (OFEP) merges the former Farm Technology Program and Efficient Grain Handling Program, with new opportunities base don industry feedback collected in the fall of 2023.

The approach aims to support producers in optimizing the use of agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers, pesticides and energy, thereby achieving significant environmental benefits.

The primary goal of OFEP is to help producers achieve precision in input usage, resulting in cost savings, reduced off-target applications and lower emissions.

OFEP offers funding through four distinct streams:

• Smart Farm Technology
• Energy Efficiency
• Farm Security
• Efficient Grain handling

Funding is retroactive to April 1, 2023, with eligible expenses covered at a 50 per cent cost-share rate. The maximum funding per applicant is $150,000 over the program’s duration.