Prairie Shelterbelt Program

Objectives

The Prairie Shelterbelt Program (PSP) provides technical services and tree and shrub seedlings for establishment of shelterbelts and other agroforestry, conservation and reclamation projects on agricultural and eligible lands in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and in the Peace River region of British Columbia.

The seedlings provided are an incentive to producers adopting beneficial management practices and environmental stewardship. The aim of the Prairie Shelterbelt Program is to improve the performance and sustainability of the agricultural sector by helping to achieve the social, economic and environmental benefits of agroforestry.

Program Delivery

The Agroforestry Development Centre in Indian Head, Saskatchewan produces trees and shrubs that are provided at no cost for agroforestry plantings on agricultural land in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and in the Peace River region of British Columbia.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will discontinue administering the Prairie Shelterbelt Program in 2013 and is proactively seeking out potential interests outside of government to explore a new private business model for this program.

Seedling orders are distributed through a network of agricultural co-operators each spring (usually late April to mid-May). Recipients are responsible for transportation costs of the tree and shrub seedlings. Recipients are responsible for planting and maintenance of the seedlings.