Programs – OSCIA-Delivered Program Guides

Adding Organic Amendments

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

30% cost-share funding up to a maximum of $8,000 per project application (maximum of $200 per acre)

Not Accepting Applications

For producers who have not applied organic amendments more than three times in the last five years and who have agricultural fields testing low for soil organic matter levels where the addition of appropriate soil organic amendments could increase low soil organic matter levels and improve soil structure, tilth, aeration, moisture, nutrient cycling and soil life.

Adding Organic Amendments

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

30% cost-share funding up to a maximum of $8,000 per project application (maximum of $200 per acre)

Not Accepting Applications

Basic Energy Use Assessment (Level 1)

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

75% cost-share funding up to a maximum of $10,000 per project application

Not Accepting Applications

For producers seeking to understand and improve the use of energy on their farms through a basic/introductory energy use assessment of the whole farm operation. This assessment includes a walkthrough of the operation and identification of the most immediate or obvious energy conservation and efficiency opportunities. The assessment should also include a review of utility bills, an inventory of equipment and the identification of feasible energy savings opportunities associated with installation of improved technologies/equipment/modifications.

A Basic Energy Use Assessment (Level 1) is a preliminary evaluation of a farm operation’s energy performance, focusing on identifying potential areas for improvement and identifying opportunities for energy savings, ultimately providing an overview of a farm operation’s energy-related strengths and weaknesses. The assessment must be conducted by a qualified third-party consultant/engineer/energy auditor.

Basic Energy Use Assessment (Level 1)

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

75% cost-share funding up to a maximum of $10,000 per project application

Not Accepting Applications

Biodiversity Enhancement Plan

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Indirect Benefits to SAR – up to $15,000;
Direct Benefits to SAR – up to $20,000

Not Accepting Applications

Conducting an assessment and producing a written report and a plan that provides recommendations speciﬁc to the property and management practices for implementing biodiversity-enhancing Best Management Practices.

Biodiversity Enhancement Plan

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Indirect Benefits to SAR – up to $15,000;
Direct Benefits to SAR – up to $20,000

Not Accepting Applications

Corridors Connecting Habitat

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Indirect Benefits to SAR – up to $15,000;
Direct Benefits to SAR – up to $20,000

Not Accepting Applications

Improving or creating connectivity of fragmented habitat for plant and animal species through plantings. Corridors include protected areas of tall grass, shrubs, and/or trees and may be composed of existing fencerows, ﬁeld edges, and marginal lands that effectively connect natural areas. Mowing, if desired, must occur after July 15 to protect nesting birds.

Corridors Connecting Habitat

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Indirect Benefits to SAR – up to $15,000;
Direct Benefits to SAR – up to $20,000

Not Accepting Applications

Cover Cropping

On-Farm Climate Action Fund

65% of eligible project costs, up to a maximum cost-share payment of $30,000 per project

Not Accepting Applications

For farmers who want to undertake a new practiceA new practice is a practice that has not been previously implemented by the applicant on the acres included in the application. For example, if you have never used cover crops on a field and wish to plant cover crops for the first time.of cover cropping or interseeding cover crops and leave them undisturbed over the winter (i.e., the cover crop cannot be chemically or physically terminated in the fall or winter). A new practice is a practice that has not been previously implemented by the applicant and can include planting cover crops to be left over-wintering for the first time (including where cover crops were previously implemented but terminated or harvested in the fall) when new to the acres being applied for, OR where implementing a cover crop is new at a certain point in the rotation (e.g. the acres tied to the project may have been cover cropped after wheat, but not cover cropped after corn).

If a cover crop being applied for is to be harvested or grazed, a minimum of 6 inches of growth must be left undisturbed over winter (November to March). All other cover crops must remain undisturbed (not terminated or incorporated) over the winter. Approved projects must result in a planted cover crop in the year awarded funding.

Note that for the 2025 intake, the use of equipment for cover crop planting, including broadcast and air seeders, no-till seeders, components for autonomous seeding is eligible to support the implementation of the project, but not eligible to receive cost-share funding. The rental of this equipment, or the costs associated with the use of this equipment by a custom operator are eligible to receive cost-share funding. Please follow OFCAF programming updates for future opportunities that will support the purchasing of cover cropping equipment.

Cover Cropping

On-Farm Climate Action Fund

65% of eligible project costs, up to a maximum cost-share payment of $30,000 per project

Not Accepting Applications

Cross Fencing for Rotational Grazing

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Indirect Benefits to SAR – up to $15,000;
Direct Benefits to SAR – up to $20,000

Not Accepting Applications

Installing new fencing and livestock watering systems infrastructure to strengthen rotational grazing systems and enhance habitat for grassland birds.

Cross Fencing for Rotational Grazing

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Indirect Benefits to SAR – up to $15,000;
Direct Benefits to SAR – up to $20,000

Not Accepting Applications

Installing new fencing and livestock watering systems infrastructure to strengthen rotational grazing systems and enhance habitat for grassland birds.

Cross-Fencing for Rotational Grazing

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands

50% of Eligible Project Implementation Costs

Not Accepting Applications

This BMP provides an opportunity to protect nesting grassland birds by incorporating rotational grazing with the intent of leaving some areas ungrazed until after July 15. The goal is to maximize existing forage resources through effective management and maintain ungrazed grassland bird refuge areas until mid-July.

Cross-Fencing for Rotational Grazing

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands

50% of Eligible Project Implementation Costs

Not Accepting Applications

Detailed Energy Audit (Level 2)

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

50% cost-share funding up to a maximum of $20,000 per project application

Not Accepting Applications

For producers seeking to understand the use of energy on their farms through a detailed, site-specific analysis leading to development of a written plan and list of recommended improvements for energy use at the whole farm operation. The audit must be conducted by a qualified third-party consultant/engineer/energy auditor.

A Detailed Energy Audit (Level 2) is a comprehensive examination of an operation’s current energy consumption (baseline) and aims to identify opportunities to improve energy use efficiency and reduce related costs. The primary goals of a Level 2 Energy Audit are to provide a detailed analysis of the energy consumption patterns and inefficiencies within an operation and help identify areas where energy is wasted; and to provide recommendations for potential energy-saving measures. For more information see https://bmpbooks.com/publications/on-farm-energy-a-primer/.

Detailed Energy Audit (Level 2)

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

50% cost-share funding up to a maximum of $20,000 per project application

Not Accepting Applications

Energy Efficiency Improvements

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

35% cost-share funding up to a maximum of $35,000 per project application

Not Accepting Applications

For producers seeking to reduce the use of electrical energy or fossil fuels on their farm operation by implementing energy efficiency improvements.

Energy efficiency improvements must demonstrate an overall energy savings:

Reduction in electricity use (lower annual kWh usage); and/or
Reduction in fossil fuel use (lower annual fuel usage; shown as kWh equivalent).

Eligible projects are limited to those that replace current activities/technologies/materials that result in reduced energy usage. The program does not provide financial support for equipment purchases related to expansions that result in an overall increased energy use.

Eligible activities are limited to those that are directly related to farm production and excludes energy efficiency measures for homes/residences (permanent or temporary) or non-agricultural activities on the farm property.

Energy Efficiency Improvements

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

35% cost-share funding up to a maximum of $35,000 per project application

Not Accepting Applications

Reduction in electricity use (lower annual kWh usage); and/or
Reduction in fossil fuel use (lower annual fuel usage; shown as kWh equivalent).

Equipment and Technology to Enhance Manure Storage

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

30% cost-share funding up to a maximum of $25,000 per application

Not Accepting Applications

For producers who want to enhance manure storage to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve nutrient management and/or increase storage efficiency through equipment or technology modifications.

Equipment and Technology to Enhance Manure Storage

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

30% cost-share funding up to a maximum of $25,000 per application

Not Accepting Applications

For producers who want to enhance manure storage to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve nutrient management and/or increase storage efficiency through equipment or technology modifications.

Equipment Modifications to Improve Manure Application

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

30% cost-share funding up to a maximum of $15,000 per project application

40% cost-share funding up to a maximum of $20,000 per project application with an eligible, completed Farmland Health Check-Up and proposed project located within the Lake Erie or Lake St. Clair watersheds

Not Accepting Applications

For producers who spread manure and require equipment upgrades for effective and responsible spreading of manure to minimize environmental risk and support efficient plant nutrient uptake.

Equipment Modifications to Improve Manure Application

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

Not Accepting Applications

For producers who spread manure and require equipment upgrades for effective and responsible spreading of manure to minimize environmental risk and support efficient plant nutrient uptake.

Equipment Modifications to Reduce Soil Compaction

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

30% cost-share funding up to a maximum of $6,000 per project application

Not Accepting Applications

For producers who use heavy equipment (e.g., wagons, manure spreading equipment, etc.) where reductions to tire pressure could reduce soil compaction

Equipment Modifications to Reduce Soil Compaction

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

30% cost-share funding up to a maximum of $6,000 per project application

Not Accepting Applications

For producers who use heavy equipment (e.g., wagons, manure spreading equipment, etc.) where reductions to tire pressure could reduce soil compaction

Erosion Control Structures

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

40% cost-share funding up to a maximum of $20,000 per project application

50% cost-share funding up to a maximum of $30,000 per project application with an eligible, completed Farmland Health Check-Up and proposed project located within the Lake Erie or Lake St. Clair watersheds

Not Accepting Applications

For producers who manage cropland where there are erosion issues that could be addressed with one or more erosion control structure(s). Projects will focus on construction of soil erosion control structures including: Water and Sediment Control Basins (WaSCoBs), grade stabilization structures, grassed waterways, and constructed wetlands to improve agricultural land and reduce rates of soil erosion and nutrient losses.

Erosion Control Structures

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

Not Accepting Applications

Erosion Control Structures Along Water’s Edge

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Indirect Benefits to SAR – up to $15,000;
Direct Benefits to SAR – up to $20,000

Not Accepting Applications

Installing erosion control structures in riparian zones with concentrated water ﬂow, and soils with moderate to steep slopes susceptible to severe water erosion.

Erosion Control Structures Along Water’s Edge

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Indirect Benefits to SAR – up to $15,000;
Direct Benefits to SAR – up to $20,000

Not Accepting Applications

Installing erosion control structures in riparian zones with concentrated water ﬂow, and soils with moderate to steep slopes susceptible to severe water erosion.

Establishment of In-Field Perennial Grass Strips

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands

50% of Eligible Project Implementation Costs

Not Accepting Applications

Grass strips are encouraged to support environmental objectives, including pollinator habitat or erosion control, so long as they do not reduce habitat suitability for the American Badger, grassland birds, Rusty-patched and Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bees and Monarch.

Establishment of In-Field Perennial Grass Strips

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands

50% of Eligible Project Implementation Costs

Not Accepting Applications

Fencing to Exclude Livestock from Water’s Edge

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Indirect Benefits to SAR – up to $15,000;
Direct Benefits to SAR – up to $20,000

Not Accepting Applications

Installing permanent fencing to exclude livestock from water’s edge or riparian areas. A riparian area is the area adjacent to streams, rivers, and other bodies of water.

Fencing to Exclude Livestock from Water’s Edge

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Indirect Benefits to SAR – up to $15,000;
Direct Benefits to SAR – up to $20,000

Not Accepting Applications

Installing permanent fencing to exclude livestock from water’s edge or riparian areas. A riparian area is the area adjacent to streams, rivers, and other bodies of water.

Fencing to Exclude Livestock from Woodland Areas

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Indirect Benefits to SAR – up to $15,000;
Direct Benefits to SAR – up to $20,000

Not Accepting Applications

Installing permanent fencing to exclude livestock from forest/woodland areas and treed corridors (i.e., windbreak, bufferstrip).

Fencing to Exclude Livestock from Woodland Areas

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Indirect Benefits to SAR – up to $15,000;
Direct Benefits to SAR – up to $20,000

Not Accepting Applications

Installing permanent fencing to exclude livestock from forest/woodland areas and treed corridors (i.e., windbreak, bufferstrip).

Fencing to Exclude Livestock from Woodland Areas

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands

50% of Eligible Project Implementation Costs

Not Accepting Applications

Funding is to support permanent fencing to exclude livestock from forest/woodland areas and treed corridors (e.g., established windbreaks, tree buffer strips) to protect critical forage and habitat areas for Monarch, Eastern Foxsnake, Gypsy Cuckoo and Rusty-patched Bumble Bees.

Fencing to Exclude Livestock from Woodland Areas

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands

50% of Eligible Project Implementation Costs

Not Accepting Applications

Forage Harvest Management (delayed haying)

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands

Flat rate of $40/acre

Not Accepting Applications

Grassland birds are particularly vulnerable while they nest between early May through to mid-July. Many managed Ontario grasslands (hay fields) are harvested at least once in that time frame, which is devastating to young grassland birds. Delaying the first cut of hay until July 15 or later allows grassland birds time to fledge the nest, greatly increasing survival rates.

Forage Harvest Management (delayed haying)

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands

Flat rate of $40/acre

Not Accepting Applications

Grassland Restoration

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands

50% of Eligible Project Implementation Costs

Not Accepting Applications

Agricultural grasslands include hayfields and pasture composed of tame or native species that provide critical breeding habitat for Henslow’s Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark and Loggerhead Shrike. This BMP provides an opportunity to restore agricultural land to permanent grassland.

Grassland Restoration

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands

50% of Eligible Project Implementation Costs

Not Accepting Applications

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Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

On-Farm Climate Action Fund

On-Farm Climate Action Fund

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands

Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands