PEI Agriculture Energy Systems Pilot Program open for applications

Agriculture producers in PEI who are interested in adopting clean technologies can once again apply for the PEI Agriculture Energy Systems Pilot Program.

The PEI Agriculture Energy Systems Pilot Program (PEIAgESP) is a provincial investment into the local agriculture industry that supports Island producers by offsetting costs associated with improving energy efficiency, generating renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing farm resilience to energy costs.

"We are really pleased with the success of the first intake of the program, and the willingness of producers across PEI to support green agriculture initiatives. From installing heat recovery systems in livestock barns, and upgrading sensors and controllers in potato warehouses, to replacing grain dryers with higher efficiency models, no project is too big or too small to make a positive change for Island farmers and their communities."

- Deputy Premier and Agriculture Minister Bloyce Thompson

The PEIAgESP is being extended for another two years, with an investment of over $1 million per year to support new projects. Successful applicants can receive up to $75,000 for projects that reduce emissions and increase energy use efficiency. Funds are prioritized to those projects that achieve the most cost-effective greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

Media contact:
Kip Ready
Department of Agriculture
[email protected]

Background

• PEI's agriculture industry is a primary economic driver in the province, with most recent farm cash receipts valued at $811.8 million in the year 2023.
• Despite continued economic leadership from the provincial agriculture industry, it has been significantly affected by increasing operating and input costs which impact profitability and resilience.
• As a result of these challenges and to further support the local agriculture industry through environmentally sustainable practices, the PEI Department of Agriculture received approval through the 2022/2023 Provincial Operating Budget to create the first ever Agriculture Climate Adaptation Section.
• Among a variety of other activities, this section will aid the Department of Agriculture in its mandate to support green farming initiatives and the local agriculture industry in leading our province towards climate targets.
• In February 2024, the new Agriculture Climate Adaptation Section launched the PEIAgESP to support farmers by offsetting costs associated with energy use optimization, switching fuel sources and a variety of other activities to increase supplies of renewable energy for agriculture productions.
• Since February, the Department has approved 73 projects through PEIAgESP for a total Provincial investment of over $1.9 million into the local agriculture industry to adopt new, clean technologies.