Incentives for Landowners
British Columbia:
- Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF):
- Environmental Farm Plan: https://iafbc.ca/environmental-farm-plan/
- Farmland Advantage program: https://farmlandadvantage.ca/
- Beneficial Management Practices (BMP): https://iafbc.ca/beneficial-management-practices/
- Canadian Forage and Grassland Association:
Alberta:
Cows and Fish:
Cows and Fish strives to foster a better understanding of how improvements in grazing and other management of riparian areas can enhance landscape health and productivity, for the benefit of landowners, agricultural producers, communities, and others who use and value riparian areas.
For more information on how Cows and Fish can assist your stewardship plans and for great resources on grazing management and riparian health, please contact them at riparian@cowsandfish.org or visit https://cowsandfish.org/
Resources
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) - Alberta
DUC offers several financial incentives for landowners across the prairies.
Forage Program: Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC) forage program helps producers restore cultivated land to grass, boosting the production value of hay and pasture.
Marginal Areas Program: This program seeds hard-to-access or unproductive cropland to perennial forage, improving profitability, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing herbicide-resistant weeds.
Winter Cereals Program: Fall rye, winter triticale, and winter wheat offer diversification and profitability while providing habitats for waterfowl and upland birds.
Rangeland Program: DUC provides financial incentives to secure wetlands and grasslands for a 10-year term.
Conservation Easements: These easements allow agricultural practices while preserving natural features, established through a legal agreement with DUC.
Revolving Land Conservation Program: This program gives cattle producers access to local land for haying and grazing.
Hay/Graze Tender Program: DUC facilitates annual tenders for managing pastureland and promoting healthy forage, weed control, and biodiversity.
*All incentive values are subject to change each fiscal year.
For more information about any of these programs, please contact: Ducks Unlimited Canada – Alberta at du_edmonton@ducks.ca, or visit ag.ducks.ca/programs/alberta
MULTISAR Program:
Eligible Area: Calgary south to the U.S. Border
The MULTISAR program is a voluntary initiative focused on supporting Species at Risk habitats by providing landholders with baseline assessments of their properties. It involves collaboration with multiple partners, including the Alberta Conservation Association and others, with funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada, industry contributions, and private donations.
Launched in 2002, MULTISAR has engaged producers managing about 750,000 acres. The program fosters long-term relationships with landholders through regular communication and five-year property reassessments to track changes in plant communities, range health, and wildlife populations.
Participants receive either a Habitat Conservation Strategy* or a Habitat Management Plan:
- Habitat Conservation Strategies: Comprehensive assessments of the property, including plant communities and wildlife, leading to a detailed report and shared funding for implementation of suggested enhancements.
- Habitat Management Plans: Rapid assessments that provide a concise report on wildlife and habitat measurements, which helps in generating maintenance or enhancement ideas for the landholder.
Common enhancements may include water developments, wildlife-friendly fencing, and native grass reseeding projects.
If you are interested in how you can improve the habitat for Species at Risk, please visit www.multisar.ca
Species Habitat Assessments and Ranching Partnerships (SHARP) Overview
Eligible Area: Alberta (2-3 hour radius of Edmonton)
The SHARP project is a voluntary stewardship initiative aimed at enhancing wildlife habitats for various species, including Ruffed Grouse, ungulates, bats, and grassland birds. It provides landholders with habitat assessments focusing on range and riparian areas, highlighting ways to improve wildlife habitats while benefiting their operations.
In collaboration with partners like the Alberta Conservation Association and Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, SHARP fosters long-term relationships built on trust. Established in 2018, the initiative builds on the MULTISAR Project and offers opportunities for landholders in central Alberta.
Every five years, properties are reassessed to track changes in plant communities, range health, and wildlife populations, with more frequent visits for properties implementing enhancements. Landholders receive a Habitat Conservation Strategy report detailing findings and recommendations. They decide on enhancements such as portable watering units and wildlife-friendly fencing, with funding shared between the landholder and SHARP.
To learn more contact: Brad Downey (403) 382-4364 or Amanda Rezansoff (780) 410-1975.
The On-farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)
OFCAF offers the Advanced Grazing Systems Program to agricultural producers looking to develop or enhance their rotational grazing practices. Producers can apply for funding with a 70:30 cost share on eligible project expenses, totaling up to $75,000 over the program's duration.
To access further funding, producers must create a rotational grazing plan, which serves as the foundation for the project. While not mandatory, completing the Advanced Grazing Systems self-paced modules is recommended to understand advanced grazing practices. Producers can also seek help from trained grazing mentors, such as a professional agrologist (P.Ag) or certified crop adviser (CCA). For assistance in finding support, contact Travis at travis@canadianfga.ca.
There are several other incentive programs available to landowners that are outlined in Birds Canada’s Grassland Incentives Guide here - Scroll to Alberta section
Saskatchewan:
Nature Saskatchewan offers a habitat enhancement program to improve Burrowing owl habitat. Habitat enhancement projects should be in areas adjacent to existing pastures within 3-5 km of Burrowing Owl nests active in the past 5 years, confirmed by Nature Saskatchewan staff, a Conservation Officer/agency, or a research biologist. Nature Saskatchewan provides up to 50% of the costs for wildlife-friendly fencing.
Operation Burrowing Owl offers these benefits to participating landowners:
- Recognition through a personalized gate sign.
- Annual newsletter and other educational information.
- Non-binding ‘handshake’ agreement.
- Financial support for habitat enhancement activities including seeding perennial pasture.
- Helping to maintain a healthy ecosystem with a diversity of species for future generations.
Financial incentives for Landowners in Saskatchewan:
Ducks Unlimited (DUC)- Saskatchewan
DUC offers several financial incentives for landowners across the prairies.
Saskatchewan Forage Incentive Programs include Forage in Rotation Program, Marginal Areas Program, Wetland Restoration Lease Program, Rangeland Program, and Conservation Easement.
These programs encourage farmers and ranchers through incentive payments to convert cultivated land to hay or pastureland, include forage in their annual cropping rotations, and seed hard-to-access and poorly producing field areas to perennial forages.
For more information, to discuss eligibility, and how to apply, please contact DUC SK at 1-866-252-3825, via email at du_regina@ducks.ca, or visit ag.ducks.ca/programs/saskatchewan.
On-farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)
The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) OFCAF Advanced Grazing Systems Program is available to Saskatchewan agricultural producers who want to develop or expand their rotational grazing practices. Producers can apply for projects with a cost share of 70 programs and 30 producers of eligible project expenses. Over the program's life, $75,000 is available (combined total OFCAF funding from all sources, e.g., PWCP ).
Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture:
Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure (FRWIP) The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) provides rebates and pre-approvals to develop secure and sustainable agricultural water sources, such as wells, dugouts, pipelines and dams.
Dugout, Pipeline, and Well: A Maximum rebate of 50 percent of eligible costs for the construction of dugouts, water pipelines, wells, and their supporting infrastructure is available. The deadline for rebate applications is March 31, 2028.
More information and ways to apply: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/sustainable-canadian-agricultural-partnership/programs-for-farmers-and-ranchers/farm-and-ranch-water-infrastructure-program/dugout-pipeline-and-well
Resilient Agricultural Landscapes Program (RALP)
RALP funds producers to increase the environmental resiliency of agricultural land. The program helps producers achieve outcomes related to water quality, soil health, and biodiversity by encouraging the adoption of beneficial management practices (BMPs).
South of the Divide Conservation Action Program:
The South of the Divide Conservation Action Program Inc. (SODCAP Inc.) partners with stakeholders and government to promote habitat management for Species at Risk in southwest Saskatchewan, while supporting farmers and ranchers. Native grasslands are crucial for biodiversity, providing habitat for endangered species and serving as essential forage for the cow-calf sector. SODCAP Inc., alongside organizations like the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, offers tailored conservation agreements and funding for habitat restoration and management for those with grasslands and riparian areas in the region.
For more information on funds available to actively participate in preserving, enhancing, and restoring grassland habitats in southwest Saskatchewan please visit: https://www.sodcap.com/
There are several other incentive programs available to landowners that are outlined in Birds Canada’s Grassland Incentives Guide here - Scroll to Saskatchewan section
Manitoba:
Ducks Unlimited - Manitoba
DUC offers several financial incentives for landowners across the prairies.
Manitoba DUC offers sustainable land programs supported by funding from NAWCA and Manitoba’s Conservation Trust, aimed at enhancing habitat for waterfowl and wildlife.
Financial incentive programs include:
- Forage Program: Landowners can earn $125 per acre for seeding perennial forages on annual crops (mix must include grasses and legumes). Successful establishments qualify for funding, and insurance is recommended.
- Marginal Areas Program: Farmers receive $200 per acre to convert underperforming crop areas to grass, with no minimum acreage required.
- Rangeland Program: Offers $5,000 per quarter section for pasture infrastructure improvements like fencing and water systems.
- Conservation Agreements: Landowners can protect natural areas on their property while maintaining ownership, receiving a one-time payment based on land value (average payment was $98,000 last year).
These initiatives support profitable and sustainable land use while benefiting local wildlife.
For more information about DUC programs in Manitoba:tel: 204-285-9779, email: du_brandon@ducks.ca, or visit: ag.ducks.ca/programs/manitoba
Manitoba Habitat Conservancy:
Manitoba Habitat Conservancy (MHC): Established in 1986 and formerly known as the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation until September 2023, collaborates with landowners to conserve and enhance habitats on their properties.
Conservation Agreements (CAs): A CA is a legal contract registered on the land's title that protects wildlife habitat indefinitely. It allows landowners to maintain natural habitats while continuing compatible agricultural activities like haying or grazing. Landowners receive compensation based on land values, and this protection continues even if the land is sold. MHC annually monitors CAs to ensure habitat protection.
Wetland Restoration: This program, associated with CAs, restores previously drained wetlands to improve wildlife habitats, biodiversity, and water storage. Landowners are compensated based on restored wetland acres, and MHC covers all related costs, including surveys and construction.
Grassland Stewardship Agreement (GSA): offers financial support to beef producers for Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) that allow grazing while benefiting wildlife and biodiversity. A GSA outlines eligible BMPs, such as fencing, water site development, and pasture establishment, with funding up to $17,000 per quarter section and a maximum of $50,000 per landowner. The producer and MHC commit to maintaining the infrastructure and grassland habitat for 10 years. Rangeland health assessments (RHA) conducted by MHC evaluate the rangeland's ecological functions, and management plans are developed to optimize grazing and improve productivity, resilience, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat.
For more information about any of the above programs please contact Manitoba Habitat Conservancy at: (204) 784-4350 or info@mbhabitat.ca.
The Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP)
PWCP provides funding incentives to producers implementing three beneficial management practices (BMPs): cover cropping, nitrogen management, and rotational grazing. To qualify, BMPs must be new or expanded and recommended by a professional agrologist or licensed crop advisor. Producers can receive up to $75,000, covering up to 85% of implementation costs, though limits may vary by watershed district. For more details, visit manitobawatersheds.org or contact your local watershed district.
Eligible Practices: Cover Cropping
- Fall and spring cover crops
- Full-season annual and/or perennial cover crops
- Planning and technical assessments
For more information about how to participate in these programs, see the Manitoba Watersheds portion in the Bird Canada Incentives Guide by clicking here - scroll to PWCP section under Manitoba.
Growing Outcomes in Watersheds (GROW)
What is GROW? is a made-in-Manitoba program that supports conservation projects on agricultural lands. GROW funds project establishment costs and can provide annual payments for projects that help improve or maintain watershed health.
Contact your local Watershed District for more details https://manitobawatersheds.org/districts-1
Resilient Agricultural Landscapes Program (RALP) - Manitoba
The RALP aims to enhance the environmental resilience of agricultural landscapes by promoting on-farm practices that boost carbon sequestration and provide multiple ecological benefits.
Grassland and Grazing Management Funding:
- Supports improvements in grasslands and grazing strategies
Eligible Applicants:
- Agricultural Crown Land forage leaseholders
- Association of Manitoba Community Pastures
- Indigenous producers and communities, including First Nations and Métis
Eligible Activities:
- Develop grazing management plans with professional guidance, including forage rest, stocking rates, paddock rotation, and water infrastructure placement
- Install rotational grazing infrastructure (permanent and temporary fencing, offsite watering) for tame pasture and native grasslands
- Convert marginal annual cropland to permanent grassland (establishing native or tame forages)
- Increase the use of nitrogen-fixing perennial legumes like alfalfa in pasture and hay
There are several other incentive programs available to landowners in Manitoba that are outlined in Birds Canada’s Grassland Incentives here - Grassland Birds at Risk - Birds Canada | Oiseaux Canada - scroll to Manitoba section.