New Funding Stream for Alberta Beef Producers

Alberta Beef Producers has introduced a new funding stream, the Alberta Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) Incentive. This program is possible thanks to $1.9 million in funding for VBP+ through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

The incentive will provide eligible cattle producers with funding for approved expenses and equipment that facilitate further adoption of best management practices.

Eligible applicants include individuals, partnerships, co-operatives, or corporations involved in Alberta beef production, who can demonstrate a minimum of $10,000 gross farm income in Alberta in the year of, or prior to, application. Individual producers must be at least 18 years old to be eligible. First Nation Bands in Alberta raising beef cattle and beef cattle grazing associations operating on Alberta Crown land are also eligible.

Applicants must complete the required VBP+ training or certification steps. 

Approved costs are funded at 50 per cent, to a maximum of $2,500 or $5,000, depending on the application stream. 

There are two funding streams available through the program:

Stream 1 – VBP+ Training Stream

The VBP+ Training Stream is for beef cattle operations that are not yet VBP+ audited, but have completed the training since 2016. Applications through this stream are eligible for up to $2,500 in funding.

Stream 2 – VBP+ Audited Stream  

The VBP+ Training Stream is for beef cattle operations that are VBP+ audited. Applications through this stream are eligible for up to $5,000 in funding.

Eligible applicants can receive a rebate for more than one project or application but cannot exceed the maximum program payment over the five-year program term of Sustainable CAP, from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028. Applicants can apply through both streams, for example if the operation receives the maximum $2,500 under the training stream and then completes the VBP+ audit and moves into Stream 2, they would then be eligible for up to the remaining $2,500.  

Eligible projects include veterinarian assessments, biosecurity or animal welfare protocols, VBP+ audits, biosecurity improvements, and animal welfare improvements. Examples of eligible projects include segregation pens, deadstock site fencing, RFID technology, hoof trimming chutes, loading chutes, and livestock weigh scale packages.

Projects and any expenses must have occurred after April 1, 2023, in order to be eligible, and the deadline for applications is January 15, 2028.

For more information and to apply online, visit abpdaily.com/alberta-vbpplus-incentive/