Adjustments have been made to the Canada-Prince Edward Island Agriculture Stewardship Program (CPEIASP). The changes will increase the maximum amount of federal funding available to producers and also raise the funding cap on five of the 28 Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs).
As of July 1, 2006, Canada’s maximum contribution per eligible applicant is increasing from $30,000 to $50,000 for implementation of BMPs. This change will allow Island producers to adopt additional BMPs to fully implement the actions identified in their Environmental Farm Plan (EFP).
The cap limits for the following BMPs implemented during 2006-2007 will be increased:
• BMP Practice Code 1403, GPS guidance systems for broadcast application, increased from $5,000 to $15,000.
• BMP Practice Code 1601, Spray rate controller and injection systems, increased from $1,500 to $5,000.
• BMP Practice Code 2107, Wetland restoration, increased from $4,000 to $6,000.
• BMP Practice Code 501, 505, Constructed wetlands, increased from $4,000 to $6,000.
• BMP Practice Code1006, Improved stream crossing for farm machinery, increases from a maximum of $5,000 per stream crossing with a program cap of $10,000 to no cap per stream crossing and a program cap of $20,000.
No new BMPs will be added this fiscal year, but the list will be expanded next year to provide Island producers with more of the applicable BMPs from the national list.
CPEIASP provides producers with cost-share rates for individual BMPs of between 30 percent and 75 percent. The 28 BMPs have been identified by governments and industry as important to the long-term health of the environment and the sustainability of the P.E.I. agriculture and agri-food industry.
The deadline for applications for year one 2006-2007 is October 31, 2006.
The federal-provincial program, originally announced in April of 2006, provides $4.72 million in technical support and financial incentives through until 2008.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is working with provincial and industry partners to develop programs and promote sound farm stewardship practices which contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment for all Canadians and safer, healthier food for consumers.
For more information on AAFC's environment programs and services, visit www.agr.ca or call 1 800 667-8567.
Canada-Prince Edward Island Agriculture Stewardship Program information and applications forms are available from Patsy Reardon at the P.E.I. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture at (902) 894-0340.