What does ALUS stand for?
ALUS is an acronym for Alternative Land Use Services.
How is ALUS being received by farm groups?
ALUS was started by the Keystone Agricultural Producers of Manitoba in partnership with Delta Waterfowl. Many farm groups across Canada have endorsed ALUS and are integral partners of ALUS. ALUS is community driven and involves farm producers directly in its direction and delivery.
Is ALUS something like CRP?
Most duck hunters are keenly aware of the CRP program in the United States and its significant impact on duck production in the prairie pothole region there. ALUS has the potential to have a similar landscape impact, providing large amounts of grasslands and wetlands for breeding ducks.
Why all the pilot projects?
By doing pilot, or demonstration projects in various provinces we will be able to showcase ALUS and how it works on the ground. Seeing is believing. Once we have ALUS being demonstrated on the farm level we are able to take stakeholders and thought leaders onsite to show them first hand how it works.
How long before we can implement ALUS on a large scale?
Demonstration efforts are ongoing in several provinces and the intent is to have these efforts result in a province-wide and ultimately country-wide program. The demonstration projects will have a direct impact on how soon ALUS is implemented on a large scale and we are focusing our energy to ensure they are effectively delivered and communicated. The province of Prince Edward Island has already adopted ALUS as an official program.
Will this be something that can be implemented in the USA too?
The ALUS model could certainly work in the USA as well as Canada. There is a lot of interest in both countries to have a program that works with producers and communities for a grass roots initiative that will provide ecological goods and services for all of society (including duck hunters).
How can I help?
You can help by spreading the word about ALUS as well as supporting Delta Waterfowl. We have been working diligently with our farm and environmental partners to promote and demonstrate ALUS thanks to Delta members, state and Canadian duck stamp funds and a variety of other supporters.
