Alberta Agriculture has extended the application deadline for the integrated crop management program to Nov. 21.

Additional funds remain available on a first-come, first-served basis for producers who have already completed an environmental farm plan and who have a qualifying project, says Diana Bingham, work plan co-ordinator for the program.

Successful applicants must develop a work plan identifying actions aimed at addressing their highest environmental risks and that will reduce or minimize their environmental impact.

In response to producer feedback, the total maximum funding available has been adjusted to $10,000 per applicant in order to spread the funding benefits among more potential participants.

Bingham says variable rate technology is a popular category. This does not include GPS but will allow for improvement to a current GPS system. Another popular choice is fuel tank storage to help reduce the risk of product spills that can impact the environment.

Additional options include sprayer upgrades with such items as low-drift nozzles, spray curtains, spray shrouds and chemical handling systems. Projects that target improved seeding systems such as a move to direct seeding also qualify as well as the establishment of permanent shelterbelts.

Grant funding is provided on a fifty-fifty cost share basis. Applicants will also receive the maximum funding at one time during the term of the program for each category.

Producers are reminded that retroactive funding is also available for eligible costs incurred to complete an approved project as far back as Sept. 1, 2009, the original start date of the program. This is due to delays experienced in the program launch.

Applicants are cautioned that projects started prior to approval risk the possibility of non-receipt of funding if the application is not accepted.

For more information, including a complete funding list, terms, work plan and application form, go to www.growingforward.alberta.ca and look under "enhanced environment."