Ducks Unlimited Canada and Pheasants Forever Canada renew partnership to support Southern Alberta farmers

Calgary, Alberta — April 20, 2026 — Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is pleased to announce a renewed two-year partnership agreement with Pheasants Forever Canada (PFC), building on a successful collaboration that supports agricultural producers while enhancing wildlife habitat across southern Alberta.

The partnership continues to deliver results through DUC’s Marginal Areas Program (MAP), which provides producers with a practical, financially viable solution for converting unproductive cropland into perennial cover.

To date, the partnership has already resulted in 81 producers converting 3,718 acres to perennial cover. In addition, 339 acres of wetlands and 1294 acres of native uplands have been retained through MAP agreements—habitats that will remain intact for a 10-year term.

Through this renewed partnership, PFC will continue to work alongside DUC to support producers in several southern Alberta municipalities. Now easier than ever to identify marginal areas using precision agriculture technology, the program helps farmers improve profitability while contributing to long-term environmental sustainability.

Producers enrolled in MAP receive a base incentive of $50 per acre from DUC. With an additional $50 per acre top-up from PFC, participants are now eligible to receive $100 per acre to establish perennial cover on marginal cropland.

“Partnerships like this are key to delivering meaningful conservation outcomes on working landscapes,” said Craig Bishop, DUC senior lead, agriculture. “By aligning environmental goals with on-farm economics, we’re creating solutions that benefit both producers and wildlife.”

The establishment of perennial cover provides critical habitat for upland game birds such as grey partridge, ring-necked pheasant, and sharp-tailed grouse, while also supporting waterfowl, pollinators, and other wildlife species.

Environmental benefits extend beyond habitat, including improved soil health, enhanced water quality, and increased carbon sequestration—contributing to more resilient agricultural landscapes.

In addition to financial incentives, producers participating in MAP receive expert forage establishment advice, ensuring long-term success and productivity of seeded areas.

“These marginal areas are critical habitat for upland game bird survival,” said Perry McCormick, President, PFC. “Working together allows us to expand our impact and reach producers who can do a lot to help keep these smaller pockets of habitat available for wildlife and the ecosystem services they provide.”

Producers interested in learning more about MAP are encouraged to contact DUC at 1-866-479-3825 or visit https://ag.ducks.ca/program/marginal-areas-ab/.