Glossary
OFCAF (On-Farm Climate Action Fund)
A federal cost-share program that, in 2026, covers 50% of eligible drone purchases (up to $20,000) tied to cover-crop seeding in Alberta.
Definition
The On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) is a federal initiative delivered in Alberta through Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR). It funds farm practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build soil health — cover cropping, reduced tillage, nutrient management. For the 2026 cycle, OFCAF expanded eligible equipment to include drones purchased specifically for cover-crop seeding.
In an Alberta Context
In Alberta, eligibility requires a Best Management Practice (BMP) Action Plan signed by a Professional Agrologist (PAg) or Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) before the application. The agronomist fee is itself partially covered — up to $2,000 or 10% of project costs. Applications run through the ARGO portal and operate first-come, first-served until the year is committed.
Why It Matters
A $40,000 DJI Agras T50 with the Spreading System 50 nets out near $20,000 after the rebate, which changes the payback math on whether to buy a drone vs. hire a custom applicator. The grant is the single largest external cost-down on owned drone equipment available to Alberta producers right now.