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Canada and Ontario Invest in Environmental Stewardship on Farms
June 22, 2009
More Ontario farm environmental and stewardship projects will be supported through the new Growing Forward Environmental and Climate Change program, contributing to a healthier environment in rural communities.
The program, to be delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, will offer farmers environmental farm planning educational workshops that promote the adoption of best management practices for soil, water, air and biodiversity. It will support farmers’ continued efforts to implement environmental improvement projects, such as:
- The use of global positioning system technology to improve pesticide and nutrient application Improved manure management
- Planting vegetated buffer strips in riparian areas to protect water quality, and
- water well upgrades.
Canada and Ontario will provide $42.3 million over the next four years for the program, on top of $14.8 million provided during the continuity year. The new program builds on the internationally recognized success of the Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan program, first introduced in 1992.
Environmental Cost-Share Opportunities for Ontario Farmers:
Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program (COFSP)
Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program (ODWSP)
Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program (COFSP)
This is a voluntary cost-share program to encourage producers to improve management of agricultural land through the adoption of Best Management Practices (BMP) to reduce risks to water and air quality, improve soil productivity enhance wildlife habitat, or result in energy conservation. Cost share for specific COFSP categories is set at either 30 percent or 50 percent, to the category caps. Under the Growing Forward initiative (April 2009 to March 2013) the maximum federal contribution per legal farm entity with a unique Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) through COFSP is $30,000.
COFSP is funded through Growing Forward (GF), supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), under the Best Practices suite.
For detailed information refer to either:
Highlights Brochure - 6 Pages
Project Eligibility Policy and Procedures - 26 pages
Updated June 2009.
Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program (ODWSP) 2009
The Province of Ontario will provide financial assistance through the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program (ODWSP) for the protection of municipal drinking water sources on properties affected by the Clean Water Act, 2006.
Cost share is available through ODWSP to a farming landowner for selected environmental projects implemented on a parcel of agricultural land that is within or extends into:
• the 100-meter radius of a municipal well; or
• the 2-year time of travel area for a municipal well that has been accepted by municipal council resolution;
• the 200-meter radius of a municipal surface water intake; or
• the intake protection zone-one (IPZ-1) around a municipal surface water intake that has been accepted by municipal council resolution.
Brochure: (226 kb)Brief description of the voluntary cost share program for farmers and a list of eligible Best Management Practices (BMP) categories and funding caps for each category. Information on program eligibility and the application process is also included. Producers who believe they may have agricultural parcels within or extending into the designated drinking water protection zones can make an inquiry with the local OSCIA Program Representative.
Cost share available through ODWSP will be linked to opportunities associated with the canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship program to offer combined cost share up to 100 per cent of eligible costs. Under the current agreement, all on-farm projects must be complete and operational, and the Claim Form submitted to the OSCIA Guelph office by September 1, 2009. See the OSCIA Program Representative for applicable updates.
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