Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) is a voluntary incentive program providing direct financial payments and technical assistance to agricultural producers in Canada. This NGO was originally developed through a partnership between the Delta Waterfowl Foundation and Manitoba’s Keystone Agricultural Producers, in 2006, and is currently established in five provinces: Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan. ALUS services are unique to municipalities, counties, provinces, or other areas, depending on the communities comprising individual public advisory committees (PACs). These committees include members from the local farming community, environmental groups, government agencies and industry. PACs direct local programs and select projects based on farmer interest.

Agreements are typically established on marginally productive or environmentally sensitive lands, generally comprise no more than 20% of workable land, and last from 3 to 5 years, with possibility of renewal or extension. Site preparation and maintenance are typically a landowner’s responsibility. Annual payments are provided for enrolled land and are typically tied to the average land rental rate. The cost to a landowner varies, but typical projects include 50% up-front contribution (ALUS 2015; Reid 2016; Campbell 2016; Gilvesy 2016). Pollinator habitat has been a major focus of the program, which includes an original pilot project developing hedgerow habitat in Ontario. Two native milkweeds are included in restoration seed mixes, and another species naturally establishes in many restoration projects (Reid 2016).

Examples of existing pollinator projects and recent research associated with restoration sites are available on the ALUS website.

• Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS). 2015. Alternative Land Use Services. alus.ca/.
• Dave Reid. 2016. ALUS, Canada eastern HUB Manager. Personal communication.
• Christine Campbell. 2016. ALUS, Canada western HUB Manager. Personal communication.
• Bryan Gilvesy. 2016. ALUS, Canada Interim Executive Director. Personal communication.

Amount of the Incentive
Annual payment for enrolled land varies and is set by local Partnership Advisory Committees (PACs). Typically tied to the average land rental rate. For example, in Norfolk County, Ontario, the payment rate is currently C$150 per 0.4 hectares (1 acre). In Alberta, rates range from C$2–40 per 0.4 hectares (1 acre). Cost to landowner varies, pilot projects may be as much as C$8,000 at no cost to landowner. Typically projects include 50% up-front contribution. Site prep and maintenance typically responsibility of landowner. If ALUS responsible for site prep and maintenance, costs are deducted from annual payments.

Keywords: direct financial payment, management, pollinator, technical assistance