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Rotational Grazing Systems

On-Farm Climate Action Fund

Not Accepting Applications
For farmers who want to establish new rotational grazing systems or expand acreage of existing systems for livestock.
IntakeIntake DatesEligible Project Start Date (Invoice Date)Eligible Project Completion DateClaim DeadlinePrevious Intake Guide
1Intake Opens: April 30 2025, 9AM ET

Intake Closes: May 9, 2025 3PM ET
Eligible invoice date: February 1, 2025;

Eligible project implementation start date: April 1, 2025
January 15, 2026January 15, 2026

Intake

Intake Dates

Eligible Project Start Date (Invoice Date)

Eligible Project Completion Date

Claim Deadline

1

August 03, 2022 - August 17, 2022

February 15, 2022

February 15, 2023

February 15, 2023

2

January 04, 2023 - January 18, 2023

January 01, 2023

January 31, 2024

January 31, 2024

3

February 13, 2024, 9AM ET – February 27, 2024, 5PM ET

January 01, 2024

January 31, 2025

January 31, 2025

Eligible project costs must be incurred, invoiced, and paid for by the approved farm business within the eligible project start and completion dates for the application intake a project is approved in. Costs incurred, invoiced and/or paid for outside of these dates will not be eligible for cost-share. For costs to be supported, the practice must be implemented before a claim can be submitted.

Approved applicants must also participate in a Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE)KSEs support learning and adoption of BMPs specific to addressing climate change challenges in Ontario. A KSE is both a learning and networking opportunity for farmers. For more information about KSEs, see the section below on Required Participation in Knowledge Sharing Events before their project can be considered complete.

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

PROJECT CATEGORY DETAILS

    Eligible farm businesses must be actively farming or own actively farmed land 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 OMAFA Appeal Tribunal (include with application submission)
OR OR
    • 25 acres of land or more, assessed as ‘Farm’, as indicated by the most current Municipal Property Assessment Notice or Municipal Tax Bill in the name of the farm business (include 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).
  • Qualified, third-party consultant fees to develop a written rotational grazing management plan. The written rotational grazing management plan must meet minimum requirements outlined here and a copy of the completed plan must be included with the claim submission.
  • New materials (e.g., posts, wire, insulators, fencers, gates) and installation costs to support establishment or expansion of rotational grazing systems, as outlined in a rotational grazing plan, including:
    • Cross-fencing
    • Exclusion fencing from wetlands and woodlots
    • Perimeter fencing
    • Temporary fencing to support the grazing of cover crops
    • Watering systems and installation
      • Gravity fed systems and pumps when powered by renewable energy
      • Waterlines, water hydrants, water troughs
      • Storage tanks (including wildlife ladders)
      • Water aeration systems for existing ponds/reservoirs
    • Purchase and installation of solar powered systems for electric fencing
    • Portable shade systems
    • One-time costs for improved pasture composition of a rotational grazing system (i.e., seed costs, custom planting costs)
    Livestock must be grazed in the system BEFORE the Project Completion Date of that program year and BEFORE that year’s claim can be submitted.
  • 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.as supported by a Rotational Grazing Management Plan
  • Perimeter/exclusion fencing and systems not mentioned as part of the rotational grazing management plan provided with the application submission
  • Consulting services not related to a grazing management plan and/or costs associated with any plan not prepared by a qualified consultant
  • Non-renewable power sources
  • Texas gates and portable corral panels
  • Costs to support grazing of cash crop residue (e.g., corn stover)
  • Permanent fencing for grazing cover crops
  • Costs for systems where livestock will not be grazed before the project is claimed.
  • Costs for systems used solely for poultry.
  • Watering systems/shade structures/pasture rejuvenation costs not associated with establishing new or expanding existing acreage of a rotational grazing system
  • Stream crossings
  • Watering systems installed at the barn
  • Establishing a new water supply (e.g., drilling a well, digging a pond)
  • Shelters and/or concrete bases for watering systems
  • Animal handling equipment or animal transportation costs
  • Costs of fertilizer and herbicide products
  • Planting of trees and shrubs
  • Proof of payment not issued in the applicant’s name
  • Extended warranties, taxes, legal fees, financing charges, loan interest payments, bank fees
  • In-kind contributions of labour and farm equipment
  • Materials or products produced on farm (e.g., posts)
  • Used fencing materials
  • Materials or services purchased outside the eligible invoice dates
  • Replacement, repair, or maintenance of existing fencing and/or watering systems
  • Typical farm equipment (e.g., tractors, skid steers, combines, livestock trailers, post hole diggers/augers, hay wagons) and related accessories or attachments
  • Any cost purchased from a supplier who is not at arm’s length from the applicant (i.e., businesses owned by siblings or parents, through blood or marriage)
    Other Ineligible Costs and Activities
  • 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 soil and/or tissue sampling, analysis, and mapping
  • 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.)
Cost-share funding is available under the OFCAF at 65% of approved, eligible costs. The maximum cost-share funding a farm business can receive under the OFCAF program, from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2028, inclusive of all approved application under all project categories is $100,000*.

Rotational Grazing Systems has a maximum cost-share amount per project of:

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

To be eligible to receive a cost-share funding allocation, the practice must be implemented (livestock rotationally grazed) on new acres before the Project Completion Date and Claim Deadline.

* This includes any funding under the On-Farm Climate Action Fund, delivered by any organization across Canada (e.g., in Ontario, funding delivered by OSCIA and by Ecocert)
OFCAF provides a high level of cost-share funding to support implementation of targeted BMPs with a goal of encouraging successful, long-term adoption. Access to knowledge and resources are key components to ensure success. Applicants must participate in an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) within the eligible Project Start and Completion dates for their approved OFCAF application and before submitting a claim for cost-share. Successful applicants must participate in a minimum of one (1) KSE for each approved project that aligns with the project’s category.

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
A KSE can be a new or existing demonstration event, webinar, workshop, or conference, and may be delivered by OSCIA or by other agricultural organizations or service providers. Costs associated with attending a KSE (e.g., registration, mileage, travel, etc.) are not eligible for cost-share.

A listing of approved KSEs can be found at https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/knowledge-sharing-event-kse/

Contact OSCIA at OFCAF@ontariosoilcrop.org to inquire if an event that is not listed meets the OFCAF KSE requirements.
Applications are only accepted during application intakes. Be sure to review the program guide in entirety – only eligible and complete applications will be considered. Make sure the following is included with your application submission:
  • An FBRN or documentation in the name of the farm business, supporting an exemption or current MPAC Assessment
  • Documentation required to be submitted with the application (see Documentation Required with the Application); this may include site sketches, letters of support and/or supporting plans
  • Digital site map(s) based on a satellite image (e.g., using GoogleMaps, AgMaps) of all field(s) included in the application. The site map(s) must include the following, clearly identified on the sketch(es):
    • The precise location (address/GPS coordinates) and total area (acres)
    • All existing infrastructure, including fencing and lengths (e.g., perimeter fencing, temporary and interior cross-fencing, alleyways, etc.), water (e.g., source, pumps, piping, troughs, stock tanks, etc.)

    • For an example site sketch, click here.

      Hand drawn sketches will not be accepted. If you need help accessing a satellite image of your project location, please contact your local OSCIA Field Staff for free assistance. Click here for contact information.

  • A rotational grazing management plan. The written rotational grazing management plan must meet minimum requirements outlined here.

    Information sessions will be held to help producers learn how to develop a rotational grazing plan, more information on these sessions can be found here.
  • If an FBRN has not been provided, please provide documentation in the name of the applicant to support an eligible FBRN exemption, income exemption or the most current Municipal Property Assessment Notice or Municipal Tax Bill.
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, enroll your farm business, and be ready for upcoming opportunities.
  • 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 all required claim documentation is received. The project must be paid for in full by the applicant and the approved practice(s) must be implemented on new acres prior to cost-share being issued.
  • All invoices for the approved project must comply with the eligible invoice dates 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 of OFCAF cost-share funding with other programs outside of OFCAF up to 100% of the project cost, is permitted if the other program(s) allow stacking and at least 15% of the project costs come from non-government sources. All funding for a project from 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, 2028, 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 publishing. Check with OSCIA for applicable updates. Material is subject to change without notice as the cost-share program evolves.
If an application is approved for a cost-share allocation, written confirmation will be provided from OSCIA by email (or by post, if no email address is provided). This approval letter will confirm:
  • Any costs from the application that were deemed ineligible
  • Eligible invoice dates, project completion and claim submission deadlines
  • What is needed with the claim submission
  • Instructions on how to verify participation in an eligible KSE
  • Information on how to submit your claim using the OSCIA online Portal
Each project must be complete, fully paid for, the practice implemented on new acres, and an eligible KSE completed before a claim is submitted.

As part of an eligible project, every claimed cost must be supported by an invoice in the name of the applicant farm business. All costs being claimed must be paid for by the applicant farm business. Proof of payment must verify who paid, who received payment, the amount of payment, and the date of payment. Proof of payment may be any one of the following: (Note: This section was updated May 14, 2025)
  • Copy of front and back of a cancelled cheque
  • Electronic image of a processed cheque
  • E-Transfer confirmation, which includes the word ‘Deposited’ or ‘Autodeposited’
  • Bill Payment confirmation from a banking institution
  • 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 the 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.
Cash payments for project costs are strongly discouraged, as they may not meet requirements for proof of payment. If proof of payment is not provided, OSCIA cannot support the cost. OSCIA may request any additional information from the applicant that OSCIA deems necessary (e.g., copies of any audit reports, plans or permits obtained by the applicant in conducting the project) to support their claim.

Cost-share payments are made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) in the name of the legal farm business. All cost-share funding is considered taxable income to the farm business. 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.
    Eligible farm businesses must be actively farming or own actively farmed land 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 OMAFA Appeal Tribunal (include with application submission)
OR OR
    • 25 acres of land or more, assessed as ‘Farm’, as indicated by the most current Municipal Property Assessment Notice or Municipal Tax Bill in the name of the farm business (include 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).
  • Qualified, third-party consultant fees to develop a written rotational grazing management plan. The written rotational grazing management plan must meet minimum requirements outlined here and a copy of the completed plan must be included with the claim submission.
  • New materials (e.g., posts, wire, insulators, fencers, gates) and installation costs to support establishment or expansion of rotational grazing systems, as outlined in a rotational grazing plan, including:
    • Cross-fencing
    • Exclusion fencing from wetlands and woodlots
    • Perimeter fencing
    • Temporary fencing to support the grazing of cover crops
    • Watering systems and installation
      • Gravity fed systems and pumps when powered by renewable energy
      • Waterlines, water hydrants, water troughs
      • Storage tanks (including wildlife ladders)
      • Water aeration systems for existing ponds/reservoirs
    • Purchase and installation of solar powered systems for electric fencing
    • Portable shade systems
    • One-time costs for improved pasture composition of a rotational grazing system (i.e., seed costs, custom planting costs)
    Livestock must be grazed in the system BEFORE the Project Completion Date of that program year and BEFORE that year’s claim can be submitted.
  • 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.as supported by a Rotational Grazing Management Plan
  • Perimeter/exclusion fencing and systems not mentioned as part of the rotational grazing management plan provided with the application submission
  • Consulting services not related to a grazing management plan and/or costs associated with any plan not prepared by a qualified consultant
  • Non-renewable power sources
  • Texas gates and portable corral panels
  • Costs to support grazing of cash crop residue (e.g., corn stover)
  • Permanent fencing for grazing cover crops
  • Costs for systems where livestock will not be grazed before the project is claimed.
  • Costs for systems used solely for poultry.
  • Watering systems/shade structures/pasture rejuvenation costs not associated with establishing new or expanding existing acreage of a rotational grazing system
  • Stream crossings
  • Watering systems installed at the barn
  • Establishing a new water supply (e.g., drilling a well, digging a pond)
  • Shelters and/or concrete bases for watering systems
  • Animal handling equipment or animal transportation costs
  • Costs of fertilizer and herbicide products
  • Planting of trees and shrubs
  • Proof of payment not issued in the applicant’s name
  • Extended warranties, taxes, legal fees, financing charges, loan interest payments, bank fees
  • In-kind contributions of labour and farm equipment
  • Materials or products produced on farm (e.g., posts)
  • Used fencing materials
  • Materials or services purchased outside the eligible invoice dates
  • Replacement, repair, or maintenance of existing fencing and/or watering systems
  • Typical farm equipment (e.g., tractors, skid steers, combines, livestock trailers, post hole diggers/augers, hay wagons) and related accessories or attachments
  • Any cost purchased from a supplier who is not at arm’s length from the applicant (i.e., businesses owned by siblings or parents, through blood or marriage)
    Other Ineligible Costs and Activities
  • 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 soil and/or tissue sampling, analysis, and mapping
  • 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.)
Cost-share funding is available under the OFCAF at 65% of approved, eligible costs. The maximum cost-share funding a farm business can receive under the OFCAF program, from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2028, inclusive of all approved application under all project categories is $100,000*.

Rotational Grazing Systems has a maximum cost-share amount per project of:

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

To be eligible to receive a cost-share funding allocation, the practice must be implemented (livestock rotationally grazed) on new acres before the Project Completion Date and Claim Deadline.

* This includes any funding under the On-Farm Climate Action Fund, delivered by any organization across Canada (e.g., in Ontario, funding delivered by OSCIA and by Ecocert)
Applications are only accepted during application intakes. Be sure to review the program guide in entirety – only eligible and complete applications will be considered. Make sure the following is included with your application submission:
  • An FBRN or documentation in the name of the farm business, supporting an exemption or current MPAC Assessment
  • Documentation required to be submitted with the application (see Documentation Required with the Application); this may include site sketches, letters of support and/or supporting plans
OFCAF provides a high level of cost-share funding to support implementation of targeted BMPs with a goal of encouraging successful, long-term adoption. Access to knowledge and resources are key components to ensure success. Applicants must participate in an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) within the eligible Project Start and Completion dates for their approved OFCAF application and before submitting a claim for cost-share. Successful applicants must participate in a minimum of one (1) KSE for each approved project that aligns with the project’s category.

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
A KSE can be a new or existing demonstration event, webinar, workshop, or conference, and may be delivered by OSCIA or by other agricultural organizations or service providers. Costs associated with attending a KSE (e.g., registration, mileage, travel, etc.) are not eligible for cost-share.

A listing of approved KSEs can be found at https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/knowledge-sharing-event-kse/

Contact OSCIA at OFCAF@ontariosoilcrop.org to inquire if an event that is not listed meets the OFCAF KSE requirements.
  • Digital site map(s) based on a satellite image (e.g., using GoogleMaps, AgMaps) of all field(s) included in the application. The site map(s) must include the following, clearly identified on the sketch(es):
    • The precise location (address/GPS coordinates) and total area (acres)
    • All existing infrastructure, including fencing and lengths (e.g., perimeter fencing, temporary and interior cross-fencing, alleyways, etc.), water (e.g., source, pumps, piping, troughs, stock tanks, etc.)

    • For an example site sketch, click here.

      Hand drawn sketches will not be accepted. If you need help accessing a satellite image of your project location, please contact your local OSCIA Field Staff for free assistance. Click here for contact information.

  • A rotational grazing management plan. The written rotational grazing management plan must meet minimum requirements outlined here.

    Information sessions will be held to help producers learn how to develop a rotational grazing plan, more information on these sessions can be found here.
  • If an FBRN has not been provided, please provide documentation in the name of the applicant to support an eligible FBRN exemption, income exemption or the most current Municipal Property Assessment Notice or Municipal Tax Bill.
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, enroll your farm business, and be ready for upcoming opportunities.
  • 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 all required claim documentation is received. The project must be paid for in full by the applicant and the approved practice(s) must be implemented on new acres prior to cost-share being issued.
  • All invoices for the approved project must comply with the eligible invoice dates 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 of OFCAF cost-share funding with other programs outside of OFCAF up to 100% of the project cost, is permitted if the other program(s) allow stacking and at least 15% of the project costs come from non-government sources. All funding for a project from 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, 2028, 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 publishing. Check with OSCIA for applicable updates. Material is subject to change without notice as the cost-share program evolves.
If an application is approved for a cost-share allocation, written confirmation will be provided from OSCIA by email (or by post, if no email address is provided). This approval letter will confirm:
  • Any costs from the application that were deemed ineligible
  • Eligible invoice dates, project completion and claim submission deadlines
  • What is needed with the claim submission
  • Instructions on how to verify participation in an eligible KSE
  • Information on how to submit your claim using the OSCIA online Portal
Each project must be complete, fully paid for, the practice implemented on new acres, and an eligible KSE completed before a claim is submitted.

As part of an eligible project, every claimed cost must be supported by an invoice in the name of the applicant farm business. All costs being claimed must be paid for by the applicant farm business. Proof of payment must verify who paid, who received payment, the amount of payment, and the date of payment. Proof of payment may be any one of the following: (Note: This section was updated May 14, 2025)
  • Copy of front and back of a cancelled cheque
  • Electronic image of a processed cheque
  • E-Transfer confirmation, which includes the word ‘Deposited’ or ‘Autodeposited’
  • Bill Payment confirmation from a banking institution
  • 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 the 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.
Cash payments for project costs are strongly discouraged, as they may not meet requirements for proof of payment. If proof of payment is not provided, OSCIA cannot support the cost. OSCIA may request any additional information from the applicant that OSCIA deems necessary (e.g., copies of any audit reports, plans or permits obtained by the applicant in conducting the project) to support their claim.

Cost-share payments are made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) in the name of the legal farm business. All cost-share funding is considered taxable income to the farm business. 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.

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