Energy, Mines, and Resources

Agri-Environmental Baseline Indicators (Data Collection)

TractorThe objective of this program is to create new, and reinforce existing, datasets of information for vegetation, soil, feed and water quality in agricultural areas and to determine the best areas to develop agriculture lands based on soil capability and arability assessment.

This initiative also funds third-party scientific assessment of soils, habitat, hydrological and water quality functions for the purposes of having a project assessed under the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act (YESAA) or to assist in obtaining required permits for an agricultural or agri-foods activity.

Eligible activities

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • field work and associated data collection for vegetation, soil, water and feed surveillance and accredited third-party testing and analysis;
  • scientific assessments of soils, habitat, hydrological and water quality functions by a qualified third party for an agri-based project requiring an assessment under YESAA, or for an agri-based activity requiring a permit, such as a water license for irrigation.

Eligible applicants

Individuals, farm groups, cooperatives, non-profit organizations and governments entering into a government permitting process for an agricultural or agri-food activity that requires scientific study and data collection.

Eligible funding

For data collection projects, assistance may be provided for up to 50% of the actual project costs for individuals, up to 75% of the actual project costs for farm groups or cooperatives, and up to 100% of the actual project costs for non-profit organizations and governments. Agriculture Branch will, in most cases, oversee the data collection.

For applicants who are having a project assessed under YESAA, or who are entering into a government permitting process, assistance may be provided up to 50% of the cost of contracted environmental work to a maximum of $50,000 per project. The applicant will repay the Growing Forward contribution if the project or permit is authorized, regardless of amendments, but will not have to repay the contribution if the project does not proceed.

Growing Forward Contact:

Energy, Mines and Resources
Agriculture Branch
Phone: 867.667.5838
Fax: 867.393.6222
Email: agriculture@gov.yk.ca

Visit us on the 3rd floor, Room 320, of the Elijah Smith Building at 300 Main Street in Whitehorse, Yukon.