The governments of Canada and Alberta, through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, are helping the Eastern Irrigation District with up to $100,000 in funding to complete a dam safety review.

This project is funded through the partnership’s Emergency Preparedness Program and will provide the district with information about how to improve safety and reduce the risk of dam failure.

The review will help improve the emergency preparedness capacity of industry and regional authorities. This information will help the district respond effectively to emergencies that have the potential to threaten irrigation infrastructure, negatively impact human or animal health, threaten crops or cause significant economic losses.

“Farmers in the Prairies always stand to benefit when governments come together to get behind some really important water infrastructure projects. This collaborative investment will help ensure that our farmers and ranchers in the Eastern Irrigation District continue to have access to the water they need to keep putting their good, high-quality food on the tables of Canadians.”

 

“Irrigation creates tremendous economic opportunities in southern Alberta. Funding through the partnership will allow the district to have an engineering inspection done to assess the condition of a major canal. This information will provide a better understanding of the risks of a canal failure and the potential impacts to downstream residents and businesses. Alberta’s government is making strategic investments to build and strengthen our economy.”

 

“Albertans rely on water to live, work and play. This dam review is important because it will ensure the best practices are in place now, and for years to come. Irrigation feeds our livestock, waters our crops and provides animal habitats and recreational areas.”

 

“The Eastern Irrigation District works hard to ensure its water distribution network supports not only irrigation, but also municipal, industrial, wildlife habitat and recreation. The funding for a dam safety review will ensure that the infrastructure remains safe and able to help the district continue to meet the needs of all of those who benefit from this tremendous natural resource.”

Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure we are benefitting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth. Alberta came together to save lives by flattening the curve and now we must do the same to save livelihoods, grow and thrive.

Source: alberta.ca

The post Improving Irrigation in Southeast Alberta appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Seed growers in Alberta will soon have access to more seed varieties and cereal research. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Devin Dreeshen has signed a ministerial order removing Fusarium graminearum (fusarium) from the Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation, bringing Alberta in line with best practices from other provinces.

Fusarium is a fungal disease of cereal crops that affects grain development and quality. Removing it from the regulation will allow Alberta to modernize to managing the disease, rather than having zero tolerance for it.

Regulating fusarium has failed to stop its spread, which has increased across the province over the past 20 years. The Alberta Fusarium graminearum Management Plan, published in 2002, does not account for recent advances in seed treatment options that can lower detections, bringing them close to zero.

“Alberta’s farmers continue to grow high-quality food that people around the world can count on every day. This long-overdue change creates new opportunities for our farmers by levelling the playing field. Modernizing these rules means that Alberta farmers will benefit from current research advances.”

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

“This news has been a long time coming. Fusarium is well-established in Alberta and since it spreads through air-borne spores, we know that zero tolerance policies are not effective. We welcome this regulatory shift that better reflects the reality facing farmers and appreciate Minister Dreeshen’s dedication to breaking down this regulatory barrier so we can move ahead with improved competitiveness.”

Tood Hames, chair, Alberta Wheat Commission

“Alberta crops are known around the world, so we commend the Government of Alberta for ensuring that growers in the province and those who count on them can benefit from the latest scientific advances. We work every day towards greater food security in an environmentally sustainable way, and today’s decision is a key step in this shared goal.”

Paul Hoekstra, government and industry relations, Syngenta

“The Canadian Seed Trade Association has long advocated for a removal of fusarium as a pest as it will be the most effective way for industry to promote management systems; encourage research, investment and innovation; and allow Alberta farmers to stay competitive with their counterparts in other jurisdictions. We would like to thank the Government of Alberta for its leadership.”

Georges Chausse, president, Canadian Seed Trade Association

The Alberta Fusarium graminearum Management Plan will be updated and continue to be available for farmers and industry looking for information and best management practices. The Government of Alberta will continue education and awareness efforts.

Source: Alberta Agriculture and Forestry

The post The Government of Alberta helps farmers by modernizing rules appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.