ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER SUSTAINABILITY 26 At Alco Energy Canada, we’re producing low-carbon ethanol using Ontario-grown corn, showcasing the sustainability of Ontario Farmers on the global stage. Together with Ontario Grain Farmers we are working hard to become the most sustainable ethanol plant in the province. Your Sustainable Corn is Fueling the World! sustainability@alcoenergycanada.com Contact us: OFCAF Program: The On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) is not a carbon credit program but an incentive program that can help de-risk and reduce the cost of trying emissions-reducing practices. Delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), OFCAF is a key cost-share program helping farmers adopt BMPs like nitrogen management, cover cropping, and rotational grazing. Eligible farms can get funding (e.g., 65 per cent cost-share up to certain caps) to implement these practices. Check OSCIA's website for current intake periods and program details. Agricultural Clean Technology Program: another federal program that offers funding for adopting cleaner technologies, which might include equipment relevant to carbon-reducing practices. GETTING STARTED: NEXT STEPS The world of carbon credits is complex and evolving. If you are looking to participate, here are some ways to conduct due diligence: Learn more: research the available federal programs and voluntary market options. Stay updated through resources like OSCIA, OFA, and agricultural publications, including the Ontario Grain Farmer Magazine. Assess your practices: evaluate which new, eligible practices might fit your operation and long-term goals. Consider OFCAF: explore the On-Farm Climate Action Fund as a way to get cost-share support for adopting beneficial practices like cover cropping and nitrogen management. Before signing any contracts: read the contract and supplemental information thoroughly, noting any sustainability-related requirements. Talk to advisors about potential opportunities and risks with trusted farm advisors, agronomists, and potentially, legal counsel. While not legal advice, Grain Farmers of Ontario's Grains Contracts Guide provides some foundational insights on contracts. Ask questions: if you are considering working with an aggregator or program, ask detailed questions about additionality, permanence, measurement, verification, data ownership, contract terms, and payment structure. Carbon markets may offer future opportunities for Ontario grain farmers, but careful evaluation and understanding of the commitments involved are essential. Focusing on practices that build soil health and resilience, potentially with support from programs like OFCAF, is a solid foundation regardless of direct participation in carbon markets today. Ibrahim Mohammed, PhD, is Grain Farmers of Ontario's sustainability and environment specialist.• continued from page 25
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