New cost-share funding

(J.M.) ARE THERE ANY FUNDING PROGRAMS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR GRAIN FARMERS?

(A.H.) OSCIA delivers several cost-share funding programs that support Ontario farmers in implementing best management and sustainability practices on their farms. We are currently administering several programs including those under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP), a five-year agreement between the federal, provincial and territorial governments (April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028). This program replaces the Canadian Agricultural Partnership and provides Canada-Ontario funding opportunities for the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector.

WHO CAN APPLY?

The program is open to Ontario farmers. Eligibility for each specific program may vary, but at minimum, applicants must have a completed fourth edition Environmental Farm Plan, provide a farm business registration number or documentation supporting an exemption or most current MPAC Assessment, a valid and up-to-date premises I.D. number, complete the enrolment and application form and any other documentation required to be submitted with the application (this may include site sketches and supporting plans/assessments).

If you have questions about available programs or application requirements, reach out to our client services staff. They can also help farmers save time and effort by helping them understand each program and identify the programs that will fit best for their farm.

WHAT DO YOU FARMERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE?

Farmers can apply for the cost-share funding programs when the project intake window is open. The timing of these intakes changes based on the number of applications and approvals for each project and the budget available. Details about current opportunities, both for SCAP and other OSCIA delivered programming, are available at https://programguides.ontarios oilcrop.org/.

SPECIES AT RISK PARTNERSHIP ON AGRICULTURAL LANDS (SARPAL)

SARPAL is an Environment and Climate Change Canada initiative focused on working with farmers to support the recovery of species at risk on agricultural land. SARPAL funds conservation actions currently focused on supporting 12 target species at risk. A spring 2024 intake is planned. Questions? Email sarpal@ontariosoilcrop.org.

SPECIES AT RISK FARM INCENTIVE PROGRAM (SARFIP)

Provides cost-share funding to agricultural landowners to undertake habitat creation, enhancement and protection best management practices (BMPs) that support species at risk. A spring 2024 intake is planned. Email sarfip@ontariosoilcrop.org.

RESILIENT AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE PROGRAM

Under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as part of the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative, OSCIA is delivering the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP), a funding program to support farmers in making their agricultural lands more productive and resilient. A spring 2024 intake is planned. Email s-cap@ontariosoilcrop.org.

It’s important to know that these funding programs are structured differently from previous programs, especially for the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program, where funding payments are specific to the approved practice the applicant has agreed to administer. For example, how much will a farmer change their practices to reduce tillage or enhance carbon sequestration? This new funding approach is designed to support the adoption of new practices and the commitment to maintaining these land improvement practices.

The Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program also requires applicants to work with a professional agrologist or certified crop advisor to provide a tillage assessment as part of their application. This assessment will help farmers understand the appropriate tillage practices for their soil types and how a transition to new or different practices will impact their operation and land management.

In an effort to encourage a longer-term shift in adopting new land use practices, successful applicants will be required to sign a land use agreement to participate in the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program. The purpose of the agreement is to encourage farmers to focus on the long-term benefits of maintaining the practices being adopted through the program compared to simply implementing them.

This approach of long term adoption is not unique to RALP. The SARPAL program has similar criteria, with a three-year Conservation Agreement being required for most projects. This is designed to support the maintenance of projects like wetland development, tree planting, or long-term support of species in at-risk habitats.

For more information on any of the programs or to learn more about upcoming funding intakes, please contact OSCIA at 519-826-4214 or oscia@ontariosoilcrop.org. •