The Saskatchewan government is providing $2.5 million to help producers in the province finance irrigation infrastructure, a May 11 news release said.
The funding is part of Saskatchewan’s 2022-23 budget and will allow producers to access up to $500,000 under the Irrigation Development Program, from the previous maximum payment of $300,000. The release noted this is the second year the Saskatchewan government has provided additional provincial funding to increase the maximum payment under the program, which is offered under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
The Irrigation Development Program supports the installation of irrigation infrastructure, such as pumps and pipelines, to create a secure water supply to the edge of irrigable parcels of land, the release said.
The program deadline for Irrigation Development pre-approval applications has also been extended to Dec. 31, 2022, the release noted. The program deadline for Irrigation Environmental Efficiency pre-approval applications has been extended to Dec. 31, 2022. Applicants will have up to 18 months from written project approval to submit a claim under the program.
The release noted in the last two years, over 19,000 acres were brought under irrigation in Saskatchewan.
