Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative Opens October 16-29, 2024

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing an additional $9 million in the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to help farmers enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of their farms. Funding will be used to help with the adoption of new technologies and best management practices to support soil health, water quality, and energy efficiency while increasing on-farm productivity.

The initiative will also help Ontario farmers improve the long-term environmental resilience of their farms. Farmers will be able to submit up to two applications to the program, depending on their needs, with successful recipients receiving up to $90,000 depending on the project category.

Quick Facts

  • The Agricultural Stewardship Initiative is being delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA). Information about how to apply for funding and project eligibility under the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative can be found on the OSCIA website.
  • Ontario farmers can submit applications from October 16-29, 2024.
  • Successful recipients may receive funding support up to $90,000 per project category toward the completion of best management practices (BMPs) that support soil health, water quality, productivity, and energy efficiency.
  • The BMP categories included in this funding are:
    • Equipment modifications to reduce soil compaction
    • Equipment modifications to improve manure application
    • Nutrient application equipment modifications
    • Nutrient management and soil health planning
    • Erosion control structures
    • Adding organic amendments
    • Equipment and technology to enhance manure storage
    • Basic energy use assessment (Level 1)
    • Detailed energy audit (Level 2)
    • Energy efficiency improvements
    • Larger-scale energy efficiency improvements.
  • A verified, complete, fourth edition Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) will be required to be eligible for funding. Information on how to complete the EFP is available through OSCIA.
  • Farmers in the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watershed areas are encouraged to complete a Farmland Health Check-Up with a participating technical specialist to identify field-specific risks. This may qualify them to receive increased levels of cost-share funding under selected Best Management Practices project categories.
  • Full details can be found here.