If Budget 2024 passes, the province said it will provide Agriculture Financial Services Corporation with $900,000 to hire drone services for aerial assessments of crops. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By Justin Goulet

Funding announced for drone coverage to assess crop damage

Mar 5, 2024 | 3:51 PM

The Government of Alberta is embracing technology in the agriculture sector.

If Budget 2024 passes, the province said it will provide Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) with $900,000 to hire drone services for aerial assessments of crops.

Officials said that using drones is a practical and cost-effective way to assess damage while increasing efficiency in processing claims for producers in Alberta.

“Alberta’s hardworking farmers and ranchers depend on AFSC programs for peace of mind each growing season,” said RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and IrrigationMinister of Agriculture and Irrigation.

“The high-definition imagery these drone assessments will provide will enable government and AFSC to gain a clearer picture of damage to Alberta’s crop fields and offer more responsive support for producers.”

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AFSC helps producers protect themselves against damage caused by wildlife by compensating them through the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program.

Officials said the imagery from the drones will enhance the ability of AFSC adjusters to provide producers with suitable and timely coverage.