• Any cost not set out as an Eligible Activity and Cost and not specifically required for the execution of a projectIf you are uncertain about the eligibility of a project or cost, contact OSCIA before applying at OFCAF@ontariosoilcrop.org. (e.g., tillage and harvesting equipment, tires, fencing, commodity carts)
• Costs where the proposed practice is not a new practice (i.e., the proposed practice has been previously used by the applicant on the acres included in the application)
• Costs where the cover crop is to be harvested in the next growing season intended for market
• Costs for triticale as a single species, alfalfa, wheat, canola, or any invasive species
• Costs where the cover crop will not be left undisturbed over winter
• Costs where the cover crop will be harvested or grazed, leaving less than 6 inches of growth over winter (November to March)
• Lift kits to convert low clearance equipment to high clearance, unless the lift kit is part of a proposed project to install equipment to support intercropping
• Consulting services not related to a cover crop plan, or a cover crop plan not prepared by a qualified consultant
• Costs related to mechanical or chemical termination of the cover crop (e.g., roller crimpers)
• Fertilizer, organic amendments, and crop protection costs
• Costs for rejuvenation of existing forages, pastures, or hay land
• Invoices not issued in the applicant’s name
• GPS components related solely to a guidance system (e.g., autosteer systems)
• Extended warranties, taxes, legal fees, financing charges, loan interest payments, bank fees
• In-kind contributions of labour and farm equipment
• Materials or products produced by the applicant’s farm business (e.g., seed)
• Materials or services purchased outside the eligible invoice dates
• Typical farm equipment (e.g., tractors, skid steers, combines, livestock trailers, strip tillers, commodity carts, etc.) and related accessories or attachments unless specified as an Eligible Activity and Cost
• Any cost purchased from a supplier who is not at arm’s length from the applicant (i.e., businesses owned the same individual(s), or by siblings or parents, through blood or marriage)

KSEs support learning and adoption of BMPs specific to addressing climate change challenges in Ontario (e.g., carbon sequestration and reducing GHG emissions). A KSE is both a learning and networking opportunity, where farmers can benefit from:

• Seeing the latest applied research
• Hearing first-hand experiences from other farmers and industry experts
• Gaining access to information networks and resources

• Enrolment and Application Form
• FBRN or documentation supporting an exemption or most current MPAC Assessment
• Valid and up to date Premises ID Number
• Documentation required to be submitted with the application (see Documentation Required with the Application); this may include site sketches and supporting plans/assessments

• Detailed site sketch(es) based on a satellite image (e.g., using Google Maps or AgMaps) of all field(s) included in the application. The site sketch(es) must show the precise location(s) (address/GPS coordinates) and total area (acres) of the project. For an example of a site sketch, click here. A site sketch is not required if applying only for a cover crop plan. Hand drawn sketches will not be accepted – if you need help using GoogleMaps or AgMaps, please contact your local OSCIA Field Staff for free assistance. Click here for contact information.
• If an FBRN has not been provided, you must provide documentation to support an eligible FBRN exemption, income exemption or the most current Municipal Property Assessment Notice or Municipal Tax Bill.

• If the applicant initiates the project before receiving final approval from OSCIA, they do so at the risk of forfeiting the cost-share if all terms and conditions are not satisfied.
• OSCIA issues payments after projects have been completed and required claim documentation is received. The project must be paid for in full by the applicant prior to cost-share being issued.
• All invoices for the approved project must comply with the eligible invoice dates as outlined in a letter of approval issued by OSCIA for the proposed project. OSCIA cannot issue cost-share payments for incomplete or partially complete projects.
• Applicants are responsible for securing all necessary approvals and permits for the proposed project before starting and complying with all applicable municipal bylaws and provincial or federal regulations. OSCIA may require copies of permits obtained for some projects before issuing cost-share payments.
• OSCIA reserves the right to require additional documentation and ultimately accept or reject submitted project invoices and proof of payment for cost-share consideration.
• Stacking of OFCAF cost-share funding from one or more farm business and/or one or more sources of OFCAF funding, towards the same project is not permitted. Stacking with other programs outside of OFCAF up to 100% of the project cost, is permitted if the other programs allow stacking and at least 15% of the project costs come from non-government sources. All funding for a project from additional off-farm sources, excluding financing, must be listed on the claim form for an approved project.
• A cost-share allocation is based on the eligible project costs outlined on the approved Application Form. Accurate estimates to the best of the applicant’s ability must be reflected in the total project cost submitted on the Application Form and quotes are recommended to inform proposed project costs. If final project costs exceed the original estimate or the scope of the project changes, there is no obligation by OSCIA to extend cost-share beyond the original allocation and/or project scope.
• All goods and services must be purchased from an entity that is at arm’s length from the farm business. An entity is considered arm’s length if they are not related, not affiliated persons or otherwise controlled by another member or members. Parent/child and siblings, through blood or marriage, or businesses owned by the same individual(s) are not considered arm’s length. Refer to Section 251 of the Income Tax Act (Canada) for the additional detail on determining arm’s length relationships.
• Any GHG emission reductions arising from an approved project between February 15, 2022 and March 31, 2024, shall not be used by the farmer to apply for any existing or future federal or provincial offset credit programs.
• Information presented is the best available at the time of printing. Check with OSCIA for applicable updates. Material is subject to change without notice as the cost-share program evolves.

• Normal operating costs associated with conducting or expanding a business’s current operations
• Any cost that is eligible for a rebate, credit, or refund (e.g., a refundable portion of the Harmonized Sales Tax)
• Gifts and incentives
• Equipment or equipment customizations that do not support an increase in soil carbon or a decrease in nitrogen loss
• Costs related to activities that directly influence or lobby any level of government
• Costs of basic research, ongoing activities, normal commercial expansion costs, and annual services fees of any type
• Lease of land, buildings, and facilities, or new building construction
• Costs of training and skills development that fulfill any academic requirements towards completion of a professional certificate, diploma, or degree program
• Costs of sponsorship for conferences and learning events or initiatives
• Costs of travel, hospitality, meals, and/or accommodations
• Permits and approvals
• Purchase or sale of land, buildings or facilities, and associated taxes or fees (e.g., land transfer tax)
• Tile drainage systems, crop storage facilities (e.g., grain bins, seed storage), TMR mixers, feed pushers and automated feeding systems
• Mentoring or coaching services that do not support the development of a written plan or technical assessment
• Multi-use items (e.g., items that can reach beyond the scope of the project such as computers, printers, hand or power tools and attachments, etc.)

• If any additional information must be provided (e.g., in the case of a conditional approval)
• Any costs from the application that were deemed ineligible
• Eligible invoice dates and project completion and claim submission deadlines
• What is needed to provide with the claim submission
• Instructions on how to verify participation in an eligible KSE
• Links to the necessary documents (e.g., Claim Form, Electronic Funds Transfer Form, etc.)
• Information on how to submit the claim

• Copy of front and back of cancelled cheque
• Electronic image of processed cheque
• Statement from banking institution indicating to whom the processed cheque was written, or electronic payment made, and for what amount
• Credit card or debit card receipt clearly identifying amount and to whom the payment was made. Credit card or debit card numbers and other information, including costs that are unrelated to the project, should be blacked out.