Ontario Agricultural Projects Receive $12.2 Million in Government Funding

The governments of Canada and Ontario have announced a financial commitment to support agricultural projects in Ontario. A total of $12.2 million has been allocated to 213 projects aimed at enhancing the resilience and health of agricultural lands. This funding is part of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program, which focuses on initiatives such as planting grasslands and trees, reducing tillage, and creating water retention ponds. These efforts are designed to help farmers mitigate the impacts of extreme weather and improve soil and water health.

The funding is distributed through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year initiative involving a $3.5 billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments. This partnership aims to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resilience of Canada's agriculture sector. The program is cost-shared, with 60% of the funding provided federally and 40% provincially.

Farmers in Ontario can apply for funding through the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. Eligible projects may receive varying amounts of financial support, depending on the project's scope and type. For example, reduced tillage projects may receive $30 per acre, while new wetland projects could receive up to $25,000 per acre.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to support sustainable agricultural practices and improve the long-term environmental resilience of farms in Ontario.