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ag society grants

Alberta to expedite 2021-22 Ag Society grant process

Feb 7, 2021 | 5:38 PM

The Government of Alberta is expediting the 2021-22 grant process for Agricultural Societies.

In a statement, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Devin Dreeshen notes Ag Societies regularly support communities through community centres, ball diamonds, rodeo grounds, curling rinks and skating rinks, among other things.

“Each year they receive a provincial base grant and an additional operating grant for events at their facilities. As a result of COVID-19, most of these events did not happen, which is why Agriculture and Forestry changed the 2021-2022 funding formula and has expedited the grant process,” Dreeshen explains.

“Alberta’s government will still provide an additional operating grant by calculating the previous five-year average funding per organization.”

The application process will include a streamlined form. Grants will be processed starting in May.

The 283 primary Ag Societies will each receive their $17,500 base grant, plus the new five-year average variable operating grant.

The seven regional societies will receive their $298,853 base grant, plus the new five-year average variable operating grant, up to a maximum of $100,000.

“As Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, I’m proud to recognize our hard working volunteers that make Agricultural Societies work,” Dreeshen adds. “Your determination keeps Albertans connected to agriculture and promotes the true values of rural Alberta: hard work, determination and community.”