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AESA Extension facilitates the adoption of environmentally responsible
management practices by developing and delivering programs, tools and
information. With AESA funding, municipalities, producer, aboriginal and
environmental groups and agencies concerned with environmental stewardship
in agriculture are finding better ways to meet the challenges facing the
industry. The AESA program addresses priority management issues identified
by the AESA Council, and includes:
nutrient management,
sustainable grazing and riparian management,
integrated crop management, which also included responsible
pesticide use
The Farm Based Grants
Who Can Apply
Agricultural Service Boards (ASBs), native groups, environmental organizations and agricultural organizations are eligible to apply for funding. If you are eligible to apply for funding, please go to applicant registration
AESA Farm Based Program Planning Model and Decision Making Criteria
The following is a program planning model to be used for the Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture Program (AESA), Farm Based Component. The model can be used by rural extension staff (RES) and clients in planning their conservation programs. The AESA Regional Committees and AESA Staff when making decisions on the value of each program will also use it and grant funding will be allocated accordingly.
Level 1: Needs Assessment & Goal Setting Total 30 Points |
This level focuses on assessing the need and setting goals for the program. This level is the foundation for a program, and the quality of the program depends on this level being completed well. Level 1, demonstrates understanding and importance of the program. This level examines:
- Local conditions in terms of agriculture and environment
- Farmer and rancher needs and learning style
- Available resources, including partnerships.
- Overarching goals for the program
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1. Assess local needs |
/15 points |
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Areas to address: |
Reviewers will be looking for: |
- What are the local conditions
- Need for local environmental extension program
- Priority management issue is identified after careful examination of each issue
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- Focused issue
- Clear description of the need
- Brief description of tools and techniques used to assess need
- Agreement from local board on the need
- Past AESA evaluations are used.
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2. Analyze audience and resources |
/10 points |
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Areas to address: |
Reviewers will be looking for: |
- General description of local farmers and ranchers (gender, age, ethnic background, education, type of farms
- Explain where local producers are in terms of the extension process (See extension value chain diagram)
- How would producers like to gain their information (one-one, workshops, newsletters)
- What are the resources available that will help you through the program?
- What are the resource constraints?
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- Describes majority of local farmers.
- Understanding of the extension value chain (see diagram)
- Aware of attitudes and values of producers
- List of useful resources available.
- Recognize resource constraints, and value partnerships.
- Roles and responsibilities of each partnership are identified. Formal partnerships are worth 10 points.
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3. Establish goals |
/5 points |
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Areas to address: |
Reviewers will be looking for: |
- Statements of desired outcome and/or end result
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- Goals give the intent and purpose of the program.
- Goals are based on the need of the program
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Level 2: Objectives and activities Total 40 Points |
This level builds on a strong foundation in the first level. While level ones focus is on collecting and analyzing information level twos focus is about setting objectives and planning activities. Objectives developed clearly demonstrate what will occur in the program. The activities are planned to achieve those objectives.
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4. Develop objectives |
/10 points |
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Areas to address: |
Reviewers will be looking for: |
- Objectives describe the desired behavior as a result of the program, the conditions under which it's performed and the degree of change.
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- Objectives are SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time based)
- Objectives are linked to AESA Farm Based Goals
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5. Design activities and sequence content |
/30 points |
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Areas to address: |
Reviewers will be looking for: |
- Description of how the information will be extended to the producer (may include how it will be presented).
- General listing of the type of activity planned and what facts and/or principles will the program focus on.
- What do you want the producer to learn/do.
- Activities are sequenced along the extension value chain (see diagram)
- Activities include a learning plan for rural extension staff
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- Broad based activities that address the need and show progress towards program objectives.
- Show strategies to reduce barriers, overcome challenges and take advantage of opportunities.
- Partnerships and collaboration are evident.
- Actions are technically sound, realistic and add value to local efforts.
- A communication and/or marketing strategy is included.
- Learning plan clearly links to objectives.
- RES Training assessment has been completed
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Level 3: Evaluation Total 30 Points |
Program evaluation is the systematic collection of information about given activities, characteristics and outcomes of programs to make judgments about the program, improve its effectiveness, and/or inform decisions about future programming. (Patton, 1997). Level 3 is planning to evaluate, outlining a strategy, and connecting to your objectives. The evaluation plan contributes to the overall program plan, increases knowledge and enhances decision making.
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6. Develop evaluation plan |
/30 points |
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Areas to address: |
Reviewers will be looking for: |
- Evaluation strategy outlines methods to be used, and how you plan to measure practice change.
- Establish baseline and benchmark data (may be completed in needs assessment).
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- Measurements are connected to objectives and activities planned.
- Evaluation plan includes a purpose statement, stakeholders involved, key evaluation questions and selected evaluation design. (See evaluation module)
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