The federal government is giving farmers and ranchers the opportunity to make their operations cleaner and greener.

The Agricultural Clean Technology Program — Adoption Stream (ACT) is accepting applications, starting today (Thurs).

Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau says it will provide non-repayable grants between $25-thousand and $2-million so producers can buy equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions or provides other environmental benefits.

One example is Drummondville, Quebec-based Entosystem Inc. receiving $2-million through the program to purchase and install equipment “to streamline production of insect-based products to be used in animal feed and fertilizer” according to a news release from the federal government.

Bibeau says it’s great opportunity to make agriculture “more effective, more sustainable” while reducing energy and input costs.

The program has three priority areas: green energy and energy efficiency; precision agriculture; bioeconomy solutions.

Ottawa says to date, “249 projects announced under the ACT program total up to $95.8 million.”

“There’s also one part of the program that is going toward research & innovation, so we are working on both sides: developing these new technologies, making farmers and ranchers the means to afford it so it will create a demand and will stimulate the development of these technologies and it will (encourage) neighbours to get into this movement.” Bibeau said.

The ACT program is a 7-year, $495.7 million initiative, comprised of two funding streams: the Adoption Stream, which ends March 31, 2026, and the Research and Innovation Stream, which Bibeau referred to, ends March 31, 2028.

The deadline to apply is June 22, and more information can be found at www.agriculture.canada.ca.

You can hear the full interview with Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau below.