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OSCIA-Delivered Program Guides

Perennial Biomass Crops

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership

Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program

Accepting Applications
RALP funding supports the planting/establishment and on-going maintenance of perennial biomass crops (e.g., switchgrass) on annual cropland in Ontario.

Increasing the frequency of perennial biomass crops in annual crop rotations and conversion of marginal and high-risk annual croplands to perennial biomass crops results in more resilient agricultural landscapes, with an increased ability to sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce soil erosion and provide many other ecological benefits.
IntakeIntake DatesEligible Project Start Date (Invoice Date)Eligible Project Completion DateClaim DeadlinePrevious Intake Guide
2
    Intake Opens: June 3, 2024, 9:00am ET
    The intake will close when the available funding has been fully allocated.
    Date indicated in approval notification*
    Date indicated in approval notification*

    Projects must be completed by December 15, 2025
    Initial Claim: Date indicated in approval notification*

    Project Completion Claim: December 15, 2025

    Additional claim deadlines may be required for larger projects.

Intake

Intake Dates

Eligible Project Start Date (Invoice Date)

Eligible Project Completion Date

Claim Deadline

1

2

    Intake Opens: June 3, 2024, 9:00am ET
    The intake will close when the available funding has been fully allocated.

    Date indicated in approval notification*

    Date indicated in approval notification*

    Projects must be completed by December 15, 2025

    Initial Claim: Date indicated in approval notification*

    Project Completion Claim: December 15, 2025

    Additional claim deadlines may be required for larger projects.

3

*The eligible project dates are included in the approval notification issued by OSCIA for each successful application. Eligible activities can only be initiated and paid for by the applicant on or after the start date specified on the approval notification.

$500/acre for establishing and maintaining of perennial biomass crops on lands currently in annual crop production

$1,000/acre for establishing perennial biomass crops on marginal and high-risk lands currently in annual crop production

PROJECT CATEGORY DETAILS

    Farm businesses that file farm business taxes in Ontario as demonstrated by:
    • A valid farm business registration number (FBRN)For information on registering a farm business and/or a religious exemption, visit Overview (agricorp.com). .
        OR
    • A Religious Exemption Letter provided by the OMAFRA Appeal Tribunal (provide with application submission).
        OR
    • A Cultural Exemption Letter provided by the First Nations Agriculture Finance Ontario (FNAFO), formerly known as the Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario to First Nations farmers, verifying the farm business operates in a First Nations community (provide with application submission).
        OR
    • An income exemption from the Farm Property Class Tax Rate Program (i.e., Start-up farm businesses, Business structure change, Not a normal production year, Age/Illness/Death of a spouse) (provide with application submission).
    Applicants must:
    • Have a verified, 4th Edition Environmental Farm Plan;
    • Be willing to enter into a signed Land Use Agreement with OSCIA, committing the farm business to maintaining the proposed practice on the acres being applied for, for a set timeline as defined in the Land Use Agreement; and,
    • Be in compliance with all requirements of the law and must remain in compliance for the duration of the project.
    Applicants must be undertaking their project on eligible lands, including:
    • Privately owned farmland, including all managed lands for agricultural production (e.g., crop land, grazing, orchards, etc.), as well as wetlands, woodlots, and yard sites associated with farming operations;
    • Land rented for agricultural production from a third-party;
    • Federal, Provincial, Municipal, or Territorial Crown Land, under lease for the purpose of agricultural practices; or,
    • Indigenous lands being managed for the purpose of agricultural production.
    Funding is to support increasing the planting/establishment and on-going maintenance of perennial biomass crops in annual crop rotations, including on marginal and high-risk annual crop lands. Plantings must be on fields that were previously in annual crop rotations in one or more of the last two growing seasons as documented by the letter of support.
    Eligible perennial biomass crop species include switchgrass, Big Bluestem, Indian Grass, and may include other non-invasive native and non-native species mixes, with preference for seed to be sourced as locally as possible, appropriate to the seed zone to maximize successful crop establishment (e.g., improved varieties of seed from Ontario switchgrass seed producers).
    Eligible activities include:
  • Establishing perennial biomass crops including seed, plants, site preparation, and fertilizer, as required to establish perennials.
  • Control of invasive species to improve establishment and maintenance of the biomass crop, including mowing or chemical treatments adhering to conservation best management practices. Practices must be outlined in the letter of support.
  • Purchase, rental or other use of equipment required to establish the eligible perennial biomass crop.
  • Costs of third-party technical expertise to support detailed project planning, design, planting/establishment, and on-going consultation to maintain a healthy planting.
    Perennial biomass crops can only be harvested after July 15th each year to protect grassland bird species.
    To qualify for the Rate 2 of $1000/acre (see How Much Funding Is Available?), applicants must demonstrate at least one of the following conditions are met for the field or area of field to be converted. Conditions must be documented in the letter of support (Documentation Required with the Application):
    • Land Use Classification – area to be converted must be primarily (minimum 50%) Class 3 to 7.
    • Flood plain – area is primarily (minimum 50%) in a flood plain.
    • Slope – area has slope that makes it vulnerable to soil erosion corresponding to defined criteria.
    • Concentrated flow path of surface water.
    • Adjacent to a watercourse.
  • Perennial biomass crops cut for harvest before July 15th in any year included in the Land Use Agreement, with exception of harvest/collection of crops cut in the preceding crop year, which were left in the field to overwinter, may be collected (e.g., for baling) in the spring.
  • Any activities relating to pasture management or to grasslands intended for grazing (see Perennial Warm Season Pastures).
  • Costs for establishing annual cash crops or conventional forage/pasture crops (including alfalfa, timothy, etc.).
  • Plantings established on lands which were not in annual crop production/part of an annual crop rotation in at least one of the last two years/growing seasons.
  • Conversion of existing natural grasslands or clearing of forested land into new crop land/pastureland.
  • Plantings established on lands used for hay or forage production in the previous two years.
  • Tree or shrub plantings (see Tree and Shrub Planting)
  • Activities supported by any federal, provincial, or municipal funding programs outside of the funding being applied for.
  • Activities and expenditures as detailed in the section Other Ineligible Activities
Funding is available under RALP at a per-acre rate for completing the approved resilient agricultural landscape project. Two rates are available, depending on the nature of the proposed project:
  • Rate 1: $500/acre for establishment and maintenance of perennial biomass crops on lands currently in annual crop production
  • Rate 2: $1,000/acre for establishment of biomass crops on marginal and high-risk lands currently in annual crop production
An initial payment of up to fifty per cent (50%) of the total approved project funding allocation, up to a maximum of $30,000 will be issued upon the applicant beginning their project and the signing of a Land Use Agreement between the applicant and OSCIA. Smaller projects will receive the balance of funding upon project completion, while larger projects may receive payments for up to four (4) years after annual confirmation of project maintenance. OSCIA will determine payment schedule at the time of application.

Applicants may submit up to two (2) active applications across all project categories at any given time in the intake. The maximum RALP funding allocation for a single project is $150,000.

Effective for applications submitted after April 1, 2024, a single applicant (farm business) may receive approval for new projects up to a maximum of $400,000 in total RALP funding for the duration of RALP (2024-2028).
RALP aims to provide long-term carbon sequestration through the use of Land Use Agreements. Before the first funding payment can be issued, approved RALP applicants are required to sign a Land Use Agreement with OSCIA.

In the Land Use Agreement to support eligible practices in the Perennial Biomass Crops project category, participants commit to implement and maintain the approved project for a minimum of five (5) years.

The Agreement is not on title, but producers must notify OSCIA of land ownership or control changes. If the current farmer is not the landowner, a written lease agreement between the landowner and the applicant farm business indicating that the land is managed by the applicant/ the applicant has control of the lands for the term of the agreement must be included with the application. The expectation is the project will be maintained according to recommended best practices to provide long-term benefits for carbon sequestration and resilience for the farm.

Note: OSCIA reserves the right to verify practice implementation including conducting inspections before the final payment is issued and throughout the duration of the Land Use Agreement. If the practice is not maintained as outlined in the approved application and signed Land Use Agreement, applicants will be required to repay all funding received for the approved project.
Applications are evaluated based only on the information submitted and will not be considered if they do not meet the eligibility criteria or if they are incomplete.

Be sure to carefully review the Resilient Agricultural Landscapes Program guide in entirety. Before you can apply, you will need to visit osciaportal.org and create a user account. Once you have created a user account, if the intake is open, you will be able to enrol and submit an application.

You must include all of the information listed under Documentation Required With the Application with your application submission. You will be required to provide a detailed work plan on your application form that clearly outlines your commitment to implementing the proposed, eligible practice.

You will also be required to enter into a Land Use Agreement upon approval of your application. If the required documentation is not received with the submission, the application may be considered incomplete and denied funding.
  • Certificate of completion for a 4th Edition Environmental Farm Plan
  • Detailed site map(s) based on a satellite image (e.g., using GoogleMaps, AgMaps) of the project site. The site map(s) must show the address or GPS coordinates and total area (acres) of the proposed perennial biomass planting. For an example of a site map, click here.
      Note: Hand-drawn sketches will not be accepted – If you need help accessing a satellite image of your project location, contact your local OSCIA Client Services Staff for free assistance. Click here for contact information.
  • Letter of support must be provided by a qualified, arms-length third-party, who has demonstrated experience planning, designing, and supporting implementing biomass planting projects, such as a Certified Crop Advisor, Professional Agrologist or a representative from the Ontario Biomass Producers Cooperative using the provided template.
    Qualified experts who provide letters of support will receive $200 compensation for each completed letter (one letter per application). Compensation is contingent upon the completion of all requested data fields in the template.
    The Perennial Biomass Crops letter of support template is available here.
Applications are only accepted during the application intakes dates noted above.

The Enrolment and Application Form and all required documentation can be submitted electronically through the OSCIA Portal:
If the intake is not currently accepting applications, you may still visit osciaportal.org to create a user account and be ready for upcoming opportunities.
  • OSCIA reserves the right to require additional documentation to support confirming a decision for all submitted funding applications.
  • The eligible start date for your project is the date specified on the approval notification issued by OSCIA for each successful application. Projects cannot be started before that date.
  • OSCIA issues an initial payment after the applicant has committed to maintaining the practice for the required period of time, as outlined in a signed Land Use Agreement and complete claim package. Final payments are issued after the approved practice has been fully implemented on the acres applied for, and all required final claim documentation has been received by OSCIA. Larger projects may be awarded extended payment timelines. The project must be paid for in full by the applicant prior to funding being issued.
  • 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 payments.
  • OSCIA reserves the right to require additional documentation and ultimately accept or reject a claim for funding consideration.
  • Stacking of Resilient Agricultural Landscapes Program (RALP) funding from one or more businesses towards the same project is not permitted.
  • RALP funding cannot be stacked with any other federal, provincial, or municipal sources of funding.
  • Activities funded under RALP will not be entitled to carbon credits/greenhouse gas (GHG) offsets for the duration of the land use agreement, after which, applicants may be eligible for Federal and Provincial GHG offset systems, as applicable.
  • 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.
  • Projects that have received funding are routinely inspected. The decision to inspect may be based on project type, amount of funding, or any other criteria selected by OSCIA. Projects may also be inspected randomly. Inspections may be carried out before the final claim is paid or may also be carried out to confirm the project complies with the signed Land Use Agreement through out the term of the agreement. Biosecurity protocols are followed by all representatives of OSCIA.
  • Funding is intended to cover the costs associated with successful project establishment, on-going maintenance to support the new practice for the term of the land use agreement, and to encourage long-term changes to improve resiliency of the farm and increase carbon sequestration in alignment with the goals of RALP.
  • Information presented is the best available at the current time. In the event of a conflict between anything set out in this program guide and/or any other program material and the Minister’s Order, the Minister’s Order will prevail. Errors and Omissions excepted. Check with OSCIA for applicable updates. Material is subject to change without notice as the program evolves.
  • Projects that have the sole purpose of coming into or maintaining compliance with Requirements of the Law that pertain to current business operations.
  • Normal operating costs associated with conducting or expanding a business’ current operations, including annual service fees of any type.
  • Any cost that is eligible for a rebate, credit, or refund (e.g., a refundable portion of the Harmonized Sales Tax).
  • Gifts and incentives.
  • 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).
  • Applicant’s costs of travel, hospitality, meals, and/or accommodations.
  • Permits and approvals.
  • Purchase, lease, construction or sale of land, buildings or facilities, and associated taxes or fees (e.g., land transfer tax).
  • Extended warranties, taxes, legal fees, financing charges, loan interest payments, bank fees.
If an application is approved for an allocation, written confirmation will be provided by OSCIA by email. This approval notification will include:
  • Confirmation of eligible invoice dates, project completion and claim submission deadlines.
  • A Land Use Agreement, which must be entered into by the applicant before the initial payment can be issued.
  • Information required with the claim submission.
  • Links to the necessary documents (e.g., Claim Form, Electronic Funds Transfer Form, Claim Questionnaire, etc.).
  • Information on how to submit the claim.
The applicant must enter into a signed Land Use Agreement with OSCIA, committing the approved farm business to maintaining the eligible practice for a set period of time and the signed Agreement must be included with the initial claim submission.

The project must be complete, operational, and fully paid for before a final claim is submitted. Each claim after the initial claim must be supported by at least one of the following:
  • Five to six photos of the project site(s) taken after the project is complete with the date(s) the photos were taken, a geo-referenced point (i.e., identifiable landmark) and GPS coordinates.
  • Written confirmation from the technical specialist, consultant or Conservation Authority that confirms project is complete and that the anticipated outcomes have been achieved.
Note: OSCIA reserves the right to verify project implementation including conducting a site inspection before the final payment is issued and throughout the duration of the land use agreement. If the project is not maintained as outlined in the approved application and signed Land Use Agreement, applicants will be required to repay all funding received for the approved project.

Payments are made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) in the name of the legal business. All funding is considered income to the business for tax purposes. OSCIA will issue a tax form (AGR-1) and report the amount paid to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA); this is why an applicant’s Social Insurance Number (SIN) is collected if the applicant does not have a CRA Business Number. Only one claim can be submitted per project per program year, and only one payment will be made per claim.

If you have any questions about program requirements, project timelines or claim submission dates, contact OSCIA at:
s-cap@ontariosoilcrop.org.
    Farm businesses that file farm business taxes in Ontario as demonstrated by:
    • A valid farm business registration number (FBRN)For information on registering a farm business and/or a religious exemption, visit Overview (agricorp.com). .
        OR
    • A Religious Exemption Letter provided by the OMAFRA Appeal Tribunal (provide with application submission).
        OR
    • A Cultural Exemption Letter provided by the First Nations Agriculture Finance Ontario (FNAFO), formerly known as the Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario to First Nations farmers, verifying the farm business operates in a First Nations community (provide with application submission).
        OR
    • An income exemption from the Farm Property Class Tax Rate Program (i.e., Start-up farm businesses, Business structure change, Not a normal production year, Age/Illness/Death of a spouse) (provide with application submission).
    Applicants must:
    • Have a verified, 4th Edition Environmental Farm Plan;
    • Be willing to enter into a signed Land Use Agreement with OSCIA, committing the farm business to maintaining the proposed practice on the acres being applied for, for a set timeline as defined in the Land Use Agreement; and,
    • Be in compliance with all requirements of the law and must remain in compliance for the duration of the project.
    Applicants must be undertaking their project on eligible lands, including:
    • Privately owned farmland, including all managed lands for agricultural production (e.g., crop land, grazing, orchards, etc.), as well as wetlands, woodlots, and yard sites associated with farming operations;
    • Land rented for agricultural production from a third-party;
    • Federal, Provincial, Municipal, or Territorial Crown Land, under lease for the purpose of agricultural practices; or,
    • Indigenous lands being managed for the purpose of agricultural production.
    Funding is to support increasing the planting/establishment and on-going maintenance of perennial biomass crops in annual crop rotations, including on marginal and high-risk annual crop lands. Plantings must be on fields that were previously in annual crop rotations in one or more of the last two growing seasons as documented by the letter of support.
    Eligible perennial biomass crop species include switchgrass, Big Bluestem, Indian Grass, and may include other non-invasive native and non-native species mixes, with preference for seed to be sourced as locally as possible, appropriate to the seed zone to maximize successful crop establishment (e.g., improved varieties of seed from Ontario switchgrass seed producers).
    Eligible activities include:
  • Establishing perennial biomass crops including seed, plants, site preparation, and fertilizer, as required to establish perennials.
  • Control of invasive species to improve establishment and maintenance of the biomass crop, including mowing or chemical treatments adhering to conservation best management practices. Practices must be outlined in the letter of support.
  • Purchase, rental or other use of equipment required to establish the eligible perennial biomass crop.
  • Costs of third-party technical expertise to support detailed project planning, design, planting/establishment, and on-going consultation to maintain a healthy planting.
    Perennial biomass crops can only be harvested after July 15th each year to protect grassland bird species.
    To qualify for the Rate 2 of $1000/acre (see How Much Funding Is Available?), applicants must demonstrate at least one of the following conditions are met for the field or area of field to be converted. Conditions must be documented in the letter of support (Documentation Required with the Application):
    • Land Use Classification – area to be converted must be primarily (minimum 50%) Class 3 to 7.
    • Flood plain – area is primarily (minimum 50%) in a flood plain.
    • Slope – area has slope that makes it vulnerable to soil erosion corresponding to defined criteria.
    • Concentrated flow path of surface water.
    • Adjacent to a watercourse.
  • Perennial biomass crops cut for harvest before July 15th in any year included in the Land Use Agreement, with exception of harvest/collection of crops cut in the preceding crop year, which were left in the field to overwinter, may be collected (e.g., for baling) in the spring.
  • Any activities relating to pasture management or to grasslands intended for grazing (see Perennial Warm Season Pastures).
  • Costs for establishing annual cash crops or conventional forage/pasture crops (including alfalfa, timothy, etc.).
  • Plantings established on lands which were not in annual crop production/part of an annual crop rotation in at least one of the last two years/growing seasons.
  • Conversion of existing natural grasslands or clearing of forested land into new crop land/pastureland.
  • Plantings established on lands used for hay or forage production in the previous two years.
  • Tree or shrub plantings (see Tree and Shrub Planting)
  • Activities supported by any federal, provincial, or municipal funding programs outside of the funding being applied for.
  • Activities and expenditures as detailed in the section Other Ineligible Activities
Funding is available under RALP at a per-acre rate for completing the approved resilient agricultural landscape project. Two rates are available, depending on the nature of the proposed project:
  • Rate 1: $500/acre for establishment and maintenance of perennial biomass crops on lands currently in annual crop production
  • Rate 2: $1,000/acre for establishment of biomass crops on marginal and high-risk lands currently in annual crop production
An initial payment of up to fifty per cent (50%) of the total approved project funding allocation, up to a maximum of $30,000 will be issued upon the applicant beginning their project and the signing of a Land Use Agreement between the applicant and OSCIA. Smaller projects will receive the balance of funding upon project completion, while larger projects may receive payments for up to four (4) years after annual confirmation of project maintenance. OSCIA will determine payment schedule at the time of application.

Applicants may submit up to two (2) active applications across all project categories at any given time in the intake. The maximum RALP funding allocation for a single project is $150,000.

Effective for applications submitted after April 1, 2024, a single applicant (farm business) may receive approval for new projects up to a maximum of $400,000 in total RALP funding for the duration of RALP (2024-2028).
RALP aims to provide long-term carbon sequestration through the use of Land Use Agreements. Before the first funding payment can be issued, approved RALP applicants are required to sign a Land Use Agreement with OSCIA.

In the Land Use Agreement to support eligible practices in the Perennial Biomass Crops project category, participants commit to implement and maintain the approved project for a minimum of five (5) years.

The Agreement is not on title, but producers must notify OSCIA of land ownership or control changes. If the current farmer is not the landowner, a written lease agreement between the landowner and the applicant farm business indicating that the land is managed by the applicant/ the applicant has control of the lands for the term of the agreement must be included with the application. The expectation is the project will be maintained according to recommended best practices to provide long-term benefits for carbon sequestration and resilience for the farm.

Note: OSCIA reserves the right to verify practice implementation including conducting inspections before the final payment is issued and throughout the duration of the Land Use Agreement. If the practice is not maintained as outlined in the approved application and signed Land Use Agreement, applicants will be required to repay all funding received for the approved project.
Applications are evaluated based only on the information submitted and will not be considered if they do not meet the eligibility criteria or if they are incomplete.

Be sure to carefully review the Resilient Agricultural Landscapes Program guide in entirety. Before you can apply, you will need to visit osciaportal.org and create a user account. Once you have created a user account, if the intake is open, you will be able to enrol and submit an application.

You must include all of the information listed under Documentation Required With the Application with your application submission. You will be required to provide a detailed work plan on your application form that clearly outlines your commitment to implementing the proposed, eligible practice.

You will also be required to enter into a Land Use Agreement upon approval of your application. If the required documentation is not received with the submission, the application may be considered incomplete and denied funding.
  • Certificate of completion for a 4th Edition Environmental Farm Plan
  • Detailed site map(s) based on a satellite image (e.g., using GoogleMaps, AgMaps) of the project site. The site map(s) must show the address or GPS coordinates and total area (acres) of the proposed perennial biomass planting. For an example of a site map, click here.
      Note: Hand-drawn sketches will not be accepted – If you need help accessing a satellite image of your project location, contact your local OSCIA Client Services Staff for free assistance. Click here for contact information.
  • Letter of support must be provided by a qualified, arms-length third-party, who has demonstrated experience planning, designing, and supporting implementing biomass planting projects, such as a Certified Crop Advisor, Professional Agrologist or a representative from the Ontario Biomass Producers Cooperative using the provided template.
    Qualified experts who provide letters of support will receive $200 compensation for each completed letter (one letter per application). Compensation is contingent upon the completion of all requested data fields in the template.
    The Perennial Biomass Crops letter of support template is available here.
Applications are only accepted during the application intakes dates noted above.

The Enrolment and Application Form and all required documentation can be submitted electronically through the OSCIA Portal:
If the intake is not currently accepting applications, you may still visit osciaportal.org to create a user account and be ready for upcoming opportunities.
  • OSCIA reserves the right to require additional documentation to support confirming a decision for all submitted funding applications.
  • The eligible start date for your project is the date specified on the approval notification issued by OSCIA for each successful application. Projects cannot be started before that date.
  • OSCIA issues an initial payment after the applicant has committed to maintaining the practice for the required period of time, as outlined in a signed Land Use Agreement and complete claim package. Final payments are issued after the approved practice has been fully implemented on the acres applied for, and all required final claim documentation has been received by OSCIA. Larger projects may be awarded extended payment timelines. The project must be paid for in full by the applicant prior to funding being issued.
  • 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 payments.
  • OSCIA reserves the right to require additional documentation and ultimately accept or reject a claim for funding consideration.
  • Stacking of Resilient Agricultural Landscapes Program (RALP) funding from one or more businesses towards the same project is not permitted.
  • RALP funding cannot be stacked with any other federal, provincial, or municipal sources of funding.
  • Activities funded under RALP will not be entitled to carbon credits/greenhouse gas (GHG) offsets for the duration of the land use agreement, after which, applicants may be eligible for Federal and Provincial GHG offset systems, as applicable.
  • 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.
  • Projects that have received funding are routinely inspected. The decision to inspect may be based on project type, amount of funding, or any other criteria selected by OSCIA. Projects may also be inspected randomly. Inspections may be carried out before the final claim is paid or may also be carried out to confirm the project complies with the signed Land Use Agreement through out the term of the agreement. Biosecurity protocols are followed by all representatives of OSCIA.
  • Funding is intended to cover the costs associated with successful project establishment, on-going maintenance to support the new practice for the term of the land use agreement, and to encourage long-term changes to improve resiliency of the farm and increase carbon sequestration in alignment with the goals of RALP.
  • Information presented is the best available at the current time. In the event of a conflict between anything set out in this program guide and/or any other program material and the Minister’s Order, the Minister’s Order will prevail. Errors and Omissions excepted. Check with OSCIA for applicable updates. Material is subject to change without notice as the program evolves.
  • Projects that have the sole purpose of coming into or maintaining compliance with Requirements of the Law that pertain to current business operations.
  • Normal operating costs associated with conducting or expanding a business’ current operations, including annual service fees of any type.
  • Any cost that is eligible for a rebate, credit, or refund (e.g., a refundable portion of the Harmonized Sales Tax).
  • Gifts and incentives.
  • 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).
  • Applicant’s costs of travel, hospitality, meals, and/or accommodations.
  • Permits and approvals.
  • Purchase, lease, construction or sale of land, buildings or facilities, and associated taxes or fees (e.g., land transfer tax).
  • Extended warranties, taxes, legal fees, financing charges, loan interest payments, bank fees.
If an application is approved for an allocation, written confirmation will be provided by OSCIA by email. This approval notification will include:
  • Confirmation of eligible invoice dates, project completion and claim submission deadlines.
  • A Land Use Agreement, which must be entered into by the applicant before the initial payment can be issued.
  • Information required with the claim submission.
  • Links to the necessary documents (e.g., Claim Form, Electronic Funds Transfer Form, Claim Questionnaire, etc.).
  • Information on how to submit the claim.
The applicant must enter into a signed Land Use Agreement with OSCIA, committing the approved farm business to maintaining the eligible practice for a set period of time and the signed Agreement must be included with the initial claim submission.

The project must be complete, operational, and fully paid for before a final claim is submitted. Each claim after the initial claim must be supported by at least one of the following:
  • Five to six photos of the project site(s) taken after the project is complete with the date(s) the photos were taken, a geo-referenced point (i.e., identifiable landmark) and GPS coordinates.
  • Written confirmation from the technical specialist, consultant or Conservation Authority that confirms project is complete and that the anticipated outcomes have been achieved.
Note: OSCIA reserves the right to verify project implementation including conducting a site inspection before the final payment is issued and throughout the duration of the land use agreement. If the project is not maintained as outlined in the approved application and signed Land Use Agreement, applicants will be required to repay all funding received for the approved project.

Payments are made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) in the name of the legal business. All funding is considered income to the business for tax purposes. OSCIA will issue a tax form (AGR-1) and report the amount paid to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA); this is why an applicant’s Social Insurance Number (SIN) is collected if the applicant does not have a CRA Business Number. Only one claim can be submitted per project per program year, and only one payment will be made per claim.

If you have any questions about program requirements, project timelines or claim submission dates, contact OSCIA at:
s-cap@ontariosoilcrop.org.

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