Grainswest - Spring 2022

Spring 2022 Grains West 38 L ast November, the province of Alberta, in partnership with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and 10 irrigation districts, announced an investment of $117.7 million to modernize the province’s irrigation infrastructure. The contribution builds on a previous $815-million advance, which brings total investment to nearly $933 million. The funding will be used to modernize irrigation infrastructure and to increase water storage capacity through a series of projects in southern Alberta. It will also create jobs and spur the province’s economic recovery. “Irrigation is a transformative part of Alberta’s history, and we’re proudly building on that legacy by investing even more in the province’s farmers and food processors,” said Premier Jason FEATURE Kenney in a press release. “This historic investment will create jobs and grow even more agricultural possibilities.” IRRIGATION ECONOMICS Across Alberta’s more than 625,000 hectares of publicly and privately irrigated land, farmers grow more than 60 crop types that include 29 specialty crops. Having access to irrigation gives them the flexibility they need to sustain their farm operations. This flexibility comes with a price, though, most of which is paid by the farmer. The benefits of irrigation-related activities flow beyond farmers, however. Irrigation generates employment for Albertans and makes a sizeable contribution to the province’s GDP, said Margo Jarvis-Redelback, executive director of the Alberta Irrigation Districts Association (AIDA). In the province’s 13 irrigation districts, irrigation-related activities contribute $5.4 billion to provincial GDP and $3.2 billion to provincial labour income each year, she said. They also support 46,000 full-time equivalent positions. “Continued attainment of these benefits requires modern and progressive water conveyance infrastructure, which will effectively manage water as changes in climate are experienced,” said Jarvis-Redelback. “By supporting modernization projects, the Alberta Modernization Program is enhancing climate change adaptation and resiliency to support continued economic growth and stability for the entire southern region.” Jamie Wuite is executive director, natural resource management branch, Modernization process refreshes Alberta’s irrigation system BY MELANIE EPP LEAD PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. MARY RIVER IRRIGATION DISTRICT