For fairs the minimum drops from 60 to 40 and for horticultural societies from 50 to 25. In territorial districts the minimum now is 15 members.
Grants are available for prize money and to hire judges. In the south it’s a third of eligible costs; in the north two-thirds to a maximum of $3,000.
Qualifying ag societies can also get grants for improvements to their land and buildings, and separate grants to help defray costs in years when rainy weather reduces attendance.
Qualifying ag societies can also get centennial grants of $1,500 for their 100th anniversaries, if the society is setting up a “permanent commemorative structure” to mark the occasion.
Qualifying horticultural societies can get grants to cover up to half of their annual expenses, also to a maximum of $1,000. Those with more than 200 members have a maximum of $1,500.
The province said its 483 agriculture and horticulture societies educate citizens about agriculture, beautify downtowns, and host fall fairs and exhibitions.
