It addresses the following priority management issues: nutrient management; sustainable grazing and riparian management; and integrated crop management, including responsible pesticide use.

Who can apply?
Agricultural service boards, native groups, environmental organizations and agricultural organizations are eligible to apply for funding. A registered society number is required (except for ASBs). Please go to applicant registration.

Eligibility criteria

1.	Each applicant must submit a program plan. The program will address at least one of the following priorities identified by the AESA Council: Nutrient management Grazing and riparian management Integrated crop management systems and rotations including responsible pest management and pesticide use.
2.	Programs must promote beneficial management practices and solutions, which reduce agriculture's impact on the natural resources (water, air, soil and biodiversity).
3.	Activities must link clearly to transferring farm or ranch management systems information to landowners to facilitate practice change.
4.	Programs will have significant benefits to the industry, but will not offset or replace programs that are delivered through industry, agribusiness or other government agencies.
5.	Programs will be extension, technology transfer, skill development and/or training programs that target farmers and ranchers by increasing awareness, understanding and knowledge to support adoption of sustainable practices.
6.	The programs must demonstrate a collaborative, coordinated team effort with other groups to reduce duplication. Other players or partners will be identified, involved and confirmed. This includes partners such as other municipalities, producer groups, AAFRD extension specialists, other government organizations and conservation groups. Partnerships are worth 10 points
7.	Priority of AESA Funding will be manpower to develop and deliver local extension programs. AESA will fund up to 30% for operating expenses and a minimum of 70% manpower of total AESA funding.

• Programs are worth 100 points. Program plans that are less than 65 points will not receive AESA funding. Programs with points between 65 and 99 points may receive reduced funding.
• Extra points are awarded for full time manpower (5 points).
• Applicant/partner contribution must be at least 25% of the total program. Program budgets will be adjusted to reflect this. For 25% of applicant contribution in kind manpower contributions are not eligible.
• Applications requesting less than $20,000 per year from AESA will not be accepted.

• Extension program planning, coordination, and evaluation.
• Demonstration, tours, meetings, workshops, and one-on-one.
• Communication and educational activities and material development.
• Staff training to support program delivery.
• Support Environmental Farm Plan Program.
• Promotional support of the Canada-Alberta Farm Stewardship Program.
• Up to 10% manpower used for applied research activities (unless otherwise approved by the AESA Program Manager)

• Manpower (at least 70% of AESA Funding). Manpower includes a dedicated full-time or part-time position, unless otherwise approved by the AESA Program Manager. Manpower costs may include benefits.
• Materials and supplies to support extension (up to 30% of AESA Funding). May include: mileage (at most current provincial government rate, 43 cents/km as of July 2006), training (registration fees, accommodations, meals, and travel), workshops (speaker fees, room rental, advertising, publications and other print materials), field days and tours (transportation, speaker fees, advertising, print materials, and signage), newsletters (postage, writers fees, printing), short-term equipment lease (e.g. one/two day audio/visual rental), tradeshows (registration, display boards, etc.).
• Riparian Health Assessments/Inventories (Cows and Fish).
• Consultant Fees (nutrient management plans as part of an extension program, writing, surveys, etc.).
• Web-sites (to be used for their extension program).
• Photo/video development to support extension activities.

• Honorariums (i.e. compensation for or payment to board members).
• Hosting (food, beverages etc.).
• Administration and overhead costs (municipal administrator, temporary or support staff, computers, phones, cell phones, internet etc.).
• Input costs (fertilizer, seed, herbicide etc.).
• Maintenance (i.e. general equipment upkeep including vehicles).
• Capital purchases and infrastructure (i.e. equipment, buildings, fencing, computer software/subscription).
• Producer incentives (any money paid to producers for the adoption of BMPs).
• Coverage for obtaining class 4 drivers license.
• Coverage of GIS program/software/subscription (capital cost).
• Promotional materials (door prizes, clothing, pens, hats, etc.).
• Professional Fees (e.g. AIA, P. Eng). It is the option of the employer whether or not they cover professional fees as part of their contribution.
• (Any costs, including those listed above, associated with eligible programs could be applicant and/or partner contribution).

• Applications are submitted (mailed or emailed) to your regional conservation coordinator by November 30 (application deadline). Applications submitted after this deadline will not be accepted.
• Regional AESA Committees review the regional applications and using the above decision-making criteria recommendations are made to AESA Council for approval.
• Once the Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Food has made the final approval on the AESA Budget, approval letters are sent to applicants by April 30.
• Applicants must submit an expenditure statement and report for the previous year before a "partnership agreement letter" is sent. Applicants must sign and return the letter if agreeing to the terms and conditions for funding.