Producer Research and Evaluation Program Funding

The Producer Research and Evaluation Program (PREP) provides funding of up to $20,000 per project, to support producers in completing on-farm research to evaluate emerging technologies, products, and production practices. The maximum total funding available through the program is $1 million, in 2024.

On-farm research will support new strategies to be tested within unique farm conditions and to support decision making with data advancing profitability, competitiveness, and sustainability.

The PREP program will provide up to $20,000 per project to complete on-farm research that supports the evaluation of whether a production practice change is feasible. The program will enable producers to gain sufficient data to make informed decisions and understand how to further adapt a production practice.

In most cases, producers will be expected to be working with third-party service providers to support the project. Proposals are required to contain a sound project design and testing approach. 

Eligibility

Funding will be available to eligible and qualified applicants from, or under contract with, organizations that directly and/or indirectly participate in the service and development of the Alberta livestock or crop industry. Organizations must be in good standing and not in default under any other agreements or programs with the RDAR.

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Operate in Alberta.
• Responsible for input costs for a crop or livestock operation that produces at least $25,000 in annual farm cash receipts.
• Responsible for the day-to-day management and work on the farm. This does not include a landlord whose only interest in the crop or livestock operation is ownership of the land. 

Eligible activities include:

• On-farm research trials and evaluation that includes sufficient data collection to evaluate the impact of the production practice or technology tested within the project.
• Testing or evaluating emerging technology and/or farm practices.

Eligible expenses include:

• Costs associated with third-party service providers, agronomists, veterinarians, professional agrologists, certified crop providers, and technical consultants.
• Cost of materials, supplies, and equipment rentals directly required for the project, up to $10,000 per project.

Up to $20,000 is available per project and successful proposals will be cost-shared to a maximum of 80% grant and 20% eligible applicant, on invoiced expenses. Funding received through other Sustainable CAP programs may not be used toward the cost-share requirements of the program. Only successful applicants will be eligible for funding.

Applicants who have previously applied through the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) will need to submit their application for the PREP under a different email/login.

For more information and to apply, visit the RDAR website at rdar.ca