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What is ALUS?

ALUS is a charitable organization that provides expertise, resources, and direct financial support to farmers and ranchers to establish and steward nature-based solutions on their land.

ALUS Parkland currently has 72 active contracts in the County. So far, more than half of those participants have returned after their first five-year term and voluntarily renewed for another 5 years. This is a great indicator of the success of the program but also shows how much the participants value the ecosystem goods and services being produced, and the benefits they see to their farming operations. This high level of participation means we have been able to enroll a total of 4795 acres with ALUS to date, which includes 57.31 brand new acres from the 2024 season!

Here are some of the ways the ALUS program can help support agricultural producers:

  • Identify stewardship opportunities
  • Share infrastructure establishment costs with the landowner/manager
  • Provide annual payments for production of ecosystem goods and services – the benefits of a healthy and thriving ecosystem

Agricultural producers who are interested in starting an ALUS project will be required to submit an Expression of Interest form, or call the ALUS coordinator 780-968-8467 ext. 8358 to begin the process.

ALUS Parkland also has a certified Environmental Farm Plan Technician available to help support those that are interested in implementing an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP).

What is an Environmental Farm Plan?

 

An EFP, or Environmental Farm Plan is a voluntary, confidential and pro-active tool that helps farm families to increase their environmental awareness in different areas on their farm. It is a whole-farm self-assessment, with a goal to promote sustainable agriculture stewardship and empower producers in mitigating environmental risks, fostering a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector in Alberta.
What are the benefits of an Environmental Farm Plan? 
  • A confidential risk assessment that identifies and addresses potential environmental risks on your farm
  • A planning tool that can be used for generational transfer
  • Free and voluntary
  • A regional technician is available to you during and after completing your EFP for ongoing support; refer to Alberta Environmental Farm Plan Home for more details
  • Meets standards for sustainable sourcing in Alberta
  • Can be a requirement for funding
  • May reduce costs and/or increase profits through efficiency
  • Maintaining a healthy environment and helps increase understanding surrounding environmental legal requirements

Parkland County’s ALUS coordinator can help to complete an Environmental Farm Plan or can assist in creating one for those seeking funding through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) or the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP). Call 780-968-8888 ext. 8286 or email alus@parklandcounty.com for assistance. 

Number of acres (4795 to date with ALUS), based on habitat type:

Number of enrolled ALUS projects (not contracts), based on habitat type: