The governments of Canada and Ontario have committed over $12.2 million to support 213 projects aimed at strengthening the resilience of Ontario’s agricultural lands.
Through the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP), farmers can implement practices like planting grasslands and trees, reducing tillage, and creating water retention ponds. These efforts help farmers prepare for extreme weather events while improving soil health, water quality, and biodiversity.
The funding is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year initiative to boost the competitiveness and sustainability of Canada’s agri-food sector.
With the second intake of the program open since June 2024, farmers are encouraged to apply for funding through the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) website.
Eligible projects can receive up to $30 per acre for reduced tillage and $25,000 per acre for establishing wetlands. This program supports Ontario's $51 billion agricultural sector by encouraging long-term environmental resilience and economic growth.
Phil Oegema, President of OSCIA, said, "Ontario famers know good stewardship and best management practices are the key to soil health and building long term sustainability on our farms. OSCIA is pleased to deliver the Resilient Agricultural Landscape funding program under the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative to Ontario farmers to complete projects including reduced tillage, creating water retention ponds and wetlands, and establishing natural grasslands that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help sequester carbon."
He highlighted the importance of the funding in helping farmers adopt practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health.
Farmers interested in applying can visit the OSCIA website for more details on how to take advantage of this funding opportunity.