Edmonton (Rural Roots Canada) – Alberta farmers and ranchers will be able to secure an early place in line for $16.5 million in federal climate funding.

RDAR will open its application queue for the 2027 On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) on Friday, November 20 at 9 a.m. Alberta time, allowing producers to submit applications over the winter ahead of funding reviews starting in April.

The program, funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, supports nitrogen management, cover cropping and rotational grazing practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve agricultural resilience.

Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with complete applications reviewed in the order received until the $16.5 million is allocated.

RDAR says demand has been strong since it began delivering the program in 2022, receiving thousands of applications annually.

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“Alberta producers have shown a real appetite for practices that are good for their operations and good for the land,” said Dr. Mark Redmond, Chief Executive Officer of RDAR.

Virtual fencing has been particularly popular, says Redmond, with funding approved for more than 16,000 collars. The technology uses GPS-enabled collars to establish and adjust grazing boundaries without physical fencing.

Producers must submit complete applications, including required information and supporting documents, to secure their place in the queue. Incomplete applications will not hold a position until outstanding materials are received.

Projects must have a minimum value of $10,000, with OFCAF covering up to 85 per cent of eligible costs. Producers are responsible for the remaining 15 per cent.

Submitting an application does not guarantee funding.

Application forms, eligibility requirements and program details are available at this link.