Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The governments of Canada and Alberta are granting $205,000 to the Taber Irrigation District with funding under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
This funding will go towards grants for four separate projects, improving Alberta’s already world-class irrigated farmland and attracting investment from food companies around the world. These types of food processing investments create high paying jobs, increase agricultural trade and grow our economy.
These projects include:
- $75,000 to assess, select, install and commission a centralized SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system to track water orders and use
- $55,000 to identify opportunities to detain, collect, treat and re-use runoff, and develop the East Horsefly Drain/Bonette Lake system
- $40,000 for asset management and critical condition and
- $35,000 for aquatic weed exclusion at Fincastle Reservoir Approach
These grants support better water security and availability. Producers pay for water on a per acre basis and effective infrastructure ensures they are getting good value for their money and that water is available for irrigation, value-added processing and other uses.
Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure we are benefitting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth. Alberta came together to save lives by flattening the curve and now we must do the same to save livelihoods, grow and thrive.
Quotes
“Canada’s farmers and ranchers work hard to put their high-quality food on the tables of Canadians. Investments in important water irrigation projects like these help ensure that our farmers continue to have access to a reliable water source to keep their crops and livestock thriving.”
– Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“These projects are important to hard-working farmers in southern Alberta that rely on irrigation. As part of Alberta’s recovery plan, our government is fighting for our farmers and agri-food processors. This funding through the Canadian Agriculture Partnership helps develop the sector as a whole, increasing efficiency and creating new opportunities for growth.”
– Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
“These investments into the Taber Irrigation District are just one of many steps our government is taking to support agriculture. Farmers in my constituency are well served by the Taber Irrigation District and I look forward to working with them as these projects unfold. This funding through the Canadian Agriculture Partnership helps develop the sector as a whole, increasing efficiency and creating new opportunities for growth.”
– Grant Hunter, MLA for Taber-Warner
“Funding support for important projects like these exemplify strong partnerships between government and the agricultural industry. Enhancing and maintaining this important irrigation infrastructure will only prove to be beneficial for irrigation farmers in the area.”
– Merrill Harris, Reeve, M.D. of Taber
“Taber Irrigation District serves progressive water users who expect continuous improvement in the management of our irrigation works. The Risk Mitigation Program funds support these initiatives that will enhance the efficiency and reliability of our systems. The commitment from the provincial and federal governments is appreciated.”
– Mike Wind, Chair, Taber Irrigation District
Quick facts
- The Taber Irrigation District will receive up to $205,000 in funding under the CAP program.
- The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion investment by federal-provincial and territorial governments, which will strengthen the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector, ensuring continued innovation, growth and prosperity.
- Programs and activities are focused on:
- Growing trade and expanding markets
- Innovative and sustainable growth of the sector
- Supporting diversity and a dynamic, evolving sector
- In Alberta, the Partnership commits a federal-provincial investment of $406 million over five years towards strategic programs and services that are aligned to the national objectives and tailored to priorities in Alberta.
