After several years of helping Manitoba and Saskatchewan farmers increase profits while supporting biodiversity, Ducks Unlimited Canada is expanding its Marginal Areas Program into Alberta.
“The Marginal Areas Program was initially created for grain growers to trial the use of forages to address salinity and other agronomic challenges,” said Janine Paly, agricultural programs and extension specialist with DUC in Alberta.
The program offers an option for farmers who have identified areas on their farm where they are realizing negative return on their investment and pays farmers a financial incentive of $125 per acre to seed these areas to forage.
The program also supplies a bonus pollinator-friendly seed pack that includes a mixture of short- and long-lived perennial species.
“Research shows that healthy landscapes that host mixed natural areas aid in increased biodiversity and safe spaces for pollinators. And more pollinators mean increased production of our crops,” said Paly.
Producers interested in signing up for the program are encouraged to contact Janine Paly at j_paly@ducks.ca or 1-825-987-0607.
For more information, visit: ag.ducks.ca.
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