Strathcona County is home to many agricultural producers who work to implement sustainable practices that reduce their environmental impact, while improving their profitability and impact on their communities. The Agriculture and Environment team at Strathcona County is committed to supporting producers in the adoption of best management practices through partnerships and education. 

County supports for sustainable agriculture

Strathcona County staff work across many departments to promote agriculture so that it is economically viable, environmentally conscious and supports the local community. See examples below of how this is working in these areas.  

• Agriculture and the economy
  • Regular review of the County’s Municipal Development Plan and bylaws to support the growth and development of agriculture 
  • 1:1 business assistance for those looking to establish or expand in Strathcona County 
• Agriculture and the environment
  • Quarterly publication of the Strathcona County agriculture e-newsletter, From Soil to Supper
  • Frequent learning opportunities on the use of agricultural inputs, agri-environmental grants, soil health, etc. For upcoming events, please visit the Strathcona County Community Events Calendar.  
  • 1:1 assistance in managing crop disease and responsible livestock ownership 
  • Management of invasive plants in Strathcona County 
• Agriculture and community
  • Community gardens
  • Grant funding for community groups

Soil conservation act

As a part of Alberta’s aspen parkland, Strathcona County is home to highly productive black soils. Strathcona County staff seek to collaborate with landholders to conserve the soil on their property. Under the Alberta Soil Conservation Act, each landholder has the duty to prevent, mitigate, or remediate soil erosion on their property in the event they are served a notice. Local municipalities have a duty to notify landholders if they have not upheld their responsibility to conserve their property’s soil and to act if the landholder does not start soil remediation after being served a notice. See the resources attached below for ways to prevent soil erosion on agricultural lands. 

• Water erosion control
• Wind erosion control
• Soil organic matter fact sheet

Environmental Farm Plan

The Environmental Farm Plan is a voluntary program for farms to identify the strengths and environmental risks on their farming operation. The plan provides a foundation to monitor and address these risks in a way that meets each farm's unique needs. The EFP can be completed in-person or online on a flexible timeline (Environmental Workshop). While completing an EFP, participants will be paired virtually with a trained technician who can help identify funding opportunities for farm projects. Farms with an EFP in place can then apply for grant opportunities and Agri-Invest.  

Funding opportunities for on farm projects

• Alberta Woodlot Extension Society: Technical and financial assistance for establishing shelterbelts and woodlots. 

• Canadian Forage and Grassland Association: Educational and financial support for farmers interested in forage management and rotational grazing. 

• Cows and Fish: Support through education and technical advice for the management of areas surrounding waterbodies (riparian zones). 

• Ducks Unlimited: Land access for hay and grazing, conservation easements and financial support for conservation, forage establishment, growing winter cereals and wetland restoration.  

• Landowner Habitat Program (Alberta Conservation Association): Financial incentives for landowners to retain habitat ranging from five to 20 years while providing reasonable public foot access. 

• Rural Residential Stewardship Program (Beaver Hills Biosphere): Cost share with landowners on acreages, hobby farms and recreational properties for wetland enhancements, planting in and around riparian areas, planting native species and restoring or enhancing native plant communities. 

• Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership: This federal-provincial initiative delivers grants to generate sustainable economic growth in the agricultural and agri-food industry. SCAP includes a wide variety of programs designed to support farmers, ranchers, value-added processors and industry organizations. Projects that are supported include fencing, water development, farm equipment upgrades and on-farm food processing.  

More information: