Irrigation Efficiency Program

Overview of the Irrigation Efficiency Program program:

The Irrigation Efficiency Program, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, is a government initiative designed to support Saskatchewan farmers in improving their irrigation systems. The program aims to enhance water use efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. By adopting advanced irrigation technologies and practices, farmers can improve crop yields, lower operating costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Benefits of the Irrigation Efficiency Program program:

• Each eligible applicant can receive up to 30 per cent of eligible costs, to a maximum program payment of $50,000 over the five-year program term of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028. The deadline for submitting applications for rebate is March 31, 2028.

Eligibility criteria of the Irrigation Efficiency Program program:

• Primary agricultural producers (individual, partnership, co-operative or corporation) who can demonstrate a minimum $50,000 of gross farm income in Saskatchewan in the year of application or the year prior to the application. Individual applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
• First Nation Bands in the Province of Saskatchewan; or
• Irrigation districts (within the meaning of The Irrigation Act, 2019) in Saskatchewan that is approved by the ministry.
• Eligible Expenses:
• Install low-pressure irrigation systems for converting existing licensed irrigated acres.
• Upgrade to low-pressure, high-efficiency sprinklers and drip systems.
• Convert pumps to electric, wind, or solar power.
• Replace high-pressure pumps with low-pressure alternatives.
• Add fertigation equipment like injector pumps and tanks.
• Improve irrigation intake systems and install water meters.
• Upgrade to variable frequency drive motors for pumps.
• Install moisture monitoring and remote communication technologies.
• Implement Variable Rate irrigation equipment and control systems.