Cleanfarms is now offering Collection Site Infrastructure Funding to ag dealers across Alberta and Manitoba as one of the ways to ease the transition to retail collection.
The Cleanfarms Collection Site Infrastructure Grant is designed to support agricultural retailers who wish to invest in improving and/or expanding their locations to better accommodate collections of agricultural packaging associated with Cleanfarms programs.
CAAR Executive Director Myrna Grahn is advising CAAR members in Alberta and Manitoba to take advantage of this great opportunity.
The Cleanfarms Collection Site Infrastructure Grant will be piloted on a small scale in the provinces of Alberta and Manitoba in 2024, with plans to expand in 2025. Each collection site is expected to receive a minimum award of $500 (with the requirement of a 50% matching investment from the applicant).
The maximum funding amount is $2,500 per collection site (with the requirement of a 50% matching investment from the applicant).
Cleanfarms has indicated that extremely compelling applications for more than $2,500 may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The grant’s goal is to enhance the infrastructure associated with the safe and efficient collection and temporary storage of agricultural packaging, including pesticide and fertilizer containers <23L, non-deposit pesticide and fertilizer drums and totes, and seed, pesticide & inoculant bags, as well as encourage innovation and adoption of best practices in collection area management within the agricultural retail sector.
Investments that are eligible for grant funding include, but are not limited to new fencing, installation of a concrete/ gravel pad, a Quonset/shed or other forms of storage, labour/staff expenses to work at the site, cosmetic upgrades (such as painting).
Completed grant application packages must be submitted electronically to Cori Crawford at crawfordc@cleanfarms.ca by June 30th, 2024. Applicants may be contacted for additional information or clarification during the review process. Grant recipients will be notified of the funding decision in July and provided with further project implementation and reporting instructions.
To be eligible for the Cleanfarms Collection Site Infrastructure Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a registered agricultural retailer, cooperative, or aerial applicator selling or using crop protection products in Alberta or Manitoba as well as participating in Cleanfarms stewardship programs.
- Must use the funding to invest in eligible infrastructure relating to Cleanfarms stewardship programs and being a Cleanfarms collection site.
- Must demonstrate a clear need for investment in collection area infrastructure.
- Must align with the grant objectives and focus on improving collection area functionality, safety, and environmental sustainability.
- Must promote proper participation in Cleanfarms programs, including hanging signage and promotional materials, and promote material preparation, such as rinsing and bagging small containers.
- Must not hinder the collection of materials by Cleanfarms contractors; and,
- Must comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and standards.
For additional information or assistance regarding the Cleanfarms Collection Site Infrastructure Grant, please contact Cori Crawford at crawfordc@cleanfarms.ca or 1-877-622-4460 x2227.
