Incentivizing sustainable farms

(J.M.) HOW DOES FARM CREDIT CANADA SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE FARM PRACTICES?

(C.G.) Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is focused on supporting sustainable farm practices across Canada. That’s why we launched the Sustainability Incentive Program (www.fcc-fac.ca/en/financing/ agriculture/sustainability-incentive-program) in 2022, offering eligible farmers up to $4,000 in financial incentives. This program is focused on helping farmers adopt and improve their sustainable practices year- over-year. While this program is available exclusively to eligible FCC lending customers, it also supports the overall agricultural industry and the goals that individual sectors have established to enhance the sustainability and viability of Canadian farms.

HOW WAS THE SUSTAINABILITY INCENTIVE PROGRAM DEVELOPED?

We believe it is important to partner with initiatives that are already serving the industry and working to improve farm sustainability. So, rather than create a new program, FCC has partnered with existing programs that follow and encourage sector-recommended practices. Working alongside industry organizations, we can emphasize what others are doing with financial incentives to support the programs and reward Canadian farmers.

Six incentive programs are currently available under the Sustainability Incentive Program to eligible FCC customers who meet the criteria set out by their industry. These include the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB), Cargill RegenConnect™, Dairy Farmers of Canada, Lactanet and Starbucks Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada and PepsiCo, Fertilizer Canada’s Nutrient Stewardship Program – 4R, and the McCain Regenerative Agriculture Framework.

Each of these programs is different and based on production practices that relate to the individual sector. Some programs also offer matching contributions from other sustainably minded companies, like Starbucks and McCain, that amplify the financial rewards available to farmers.

WHAT DO ONTARIO GRAIN FARMERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FCC INCENTIVES FOR SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES?

Ontario grain farmers may be most interested in Fertilizer Canada’s Nutrient Stewardship Program – 4R (www.fcc-fac.ca/en/financing/agriculture/sustainability-incentive-program/4r). This program began in 2024 and integrates FCC’s AgExpert Field with Fertilizer Canada’s Nutrient Stewardship Program.

Incentive payments are calculated as a portion of a farmer’s lending with FCC, to a maximum payment of $4,000 in one year. This program is available annually, so farmers can participate annually to build on their sustainability efforts.

To participate in the 4R Sustainability Incentive Program, eligible farmers must have a 4R crop plan in place for the 2025 growing season, record their production activities, including fertilizer applications, in AgExpert Field throughout the growing season, and have their 4R beneficial management practices verified by a 4R professional within AgExpert Field at the end of the growing season. Farmers should also note that the 4R beneficial management practices must be implemented on at least 50 per cent of their acres.

Applications for this incentive program will open in fall 2025 to coincide with the end of the growing season.

Ontario grain farmers who manage diversified operations can also participate in other FCC Sustainability Incentive Programs based on the various commodities on their farms.

WHAT HAS THE RESPONSE TO THE PROGRAM BEEN LIKE?

In 2024, 675 successful applicants participated in the program and received $1.1 million in incentives from FCC. When payouts from the matching partners were added, that total increased to $1.3 million last year. We’re proud of the program’s success, and looking ahead, we are aiming for a 15 per cent year-over-year increase in applications. In 2025, we are targeting 775 successful applicants and look forward to supporting eligible farmers in their efforts to enhance the sustainability of their farms.

FCC is proud to collaborate with our industry and valued customers to shape a future where future farm generations can thrive. •