Cost-sharing Funding Opportunity for Producers in Northern Ontario

A new Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership) intake to support Ontario producers has been announced. Applications will be accepted on Monday, November 15th at 9 am until Monday, December 6th at 5 pm (ET).

The cost-share funding program, administered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, supports producer projects in the areas of Economic Development, Environmental Stewardship, and Protection and Assurance. This intake is also open to ‘Other Business – Plant Health.’

Examples of some Partnership projects recently completed in Northern Ontario include:

• Purchase of cleaning and disinfecting equipment to support animal health on a dairy farm

• Upgrades to improve animal handling and safety practices on a beef farm

• Purchase of a equipment to support no-till planting

• Establishment of cover crops to enhance soil health

• Retirement of grazing land and the establishment of permanent native grasses and tree

• Development of a plan to increase on-farm labour productivity

• Purchase of equipment to reduce food safety risks for a dairy processor

Stay tuned as we share details of these on-farm success stories. In the meantime, check out https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/canadian-agricultural-partnership/sharing-on-farm-success-2/.

What do you need to apply?

Producers interested in applying should review the Program Guide at www.ontarioprogramguides.net for information about eligible projects, required documentation and the merit evaluation criteria. Some requirements include:

• A Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) OR eligible exemption for the farm business

• Valid Premises Identification (PID) Number

• Some focus areas require participation in an Environmental Farm Plan or Biosecurity workshop or webinar

Who to contact?

For specific questions about eligibility, producers can reach out to Claude Péloquin, OSCIA Regional Program Lead for Northern Ontario, by email at Claude.Peloquin@ontariosoilcrop.org or by calling 705-491-5094.

The Partnership is a five-year, $3-billion commitment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen and grow Canada's agriculture and agri-food sectors. This includes a $2 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

Past projects

Paul Skippen on Manitoulin Island, near Sheguiandah, ON received cost-share funding for facility upgrades to improve animal handling and implement new safety practices, including installing metal gates, locks, and a crowding tub for his beef cattle.