“The ALUS program recognizes that farmers are the custodians of our rural landscape and that all Islanders benefit from the environmental services provided by this landscape,” said George Webster, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry.

“We are developing a community-led program that identifies desired environmental outcomes and rewards farmers for work that delivers the environmental protection we seek.”

The provincial government has set aside $750,000 to fund ALUS in its first year. The program will offer annual payment in exchange for five-year commitments to farmer-delivered environmental measures in areas under annual crop production.

While ALUS approaches have been tried as pilot programs in Ontario and Manitoba, Prince Edward Island is the first province in Canada to try such a program on a province-wide basis.

The P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture is encouraging its members to attend the meetings. “The introduction of an ALUS program is important in showing recognition for the environmental stewardship practised by P.E.I. farmers. We are confident this program will initiate a number of long-term environmental activities that will benefit farmers and Islanders alike,” said John Colwill, President of the Federation.

“As potato growers, we are keenly aware of environmental concerns and we recognize this program as a tool to help promote good stewardship,” said Kevin MacIsaac, past Chair of the P.E.I. Potato Board. “Island farmers have invested a great deal of time, money and effort in making positive changes over the past decade, and we’re pleased to see some acknowledgment of this investment via the new ALUS program.”

Farmers and landowners interested in participating in ALUS or in learning more about the ALUS Program are invited to attend upcoming meetings in Covehead (December 15), Kensington (December 16), O’Leary (December 17), Montague (December 18) and Souris (December 19).

More information on the ALUS Program is available from the ALUS Coordinator, Shawn Hill at (902) 620-3725.