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. Rotational grazing systems must be implemented on at least 10 acres of pasture and must include at least four (4) sections (paddocks) for rotation to be considered eligible for cost-share funding.

Intake	Intake Dates	Eligible Project Start Date (Invoice Date)	Eligible Project Completion Date	Claim Deadline	Previous Intake Guide
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	View
4	August 1, 2024, 9AM ET - November 13, 2024, 5PM ET	April 1, 2024	January 31, 2025	January 31, 2025

Intake

Intake Dates

Eligible Project Start Date (Invoice Date)

Eligible Project Completion Date

Claim Deadline

August 03, 2022 - August 17, 2022

February 15, 2022

February 15, 2023

January 04, 2023 - January 18, 2023

January 01, 2023

January 31, 2024

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

January 01, 2024

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 $20,000 per project

PROJECT CATEGORY DETAILS

Who is Eligible to Apply? 

- A valid farm business registration number (FBRN)For information on registering a farm business and/or a religious exemption, visit Overview (agricorp.com).

- A Religious Exemption Letter provided by the OMAFRA Appeal Tribunal (include with application submission)

- A Cultural Exemption Letter provided by the First Nations Agriculture & Finance Ontario to First Nations farmers, verifying the farm business operates in a First Nations community (include with application submission)

- 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)

- An income exemption from the Farm Property Class Tax Rate Program in the name of the farm business (include with application submission)

Premises Identification (PID)For information about the Provincial Premises Registry, what you need to register a premises, or how and when to update your PID, visit About the Provincial Premises Registry · REGISTRY (ontariopid.com)

www.ontariopid.com

Eligible Activities and Costs

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.
Materials (e.g., posts, wire, insulators, fencers, gates) and installation costs to support establishment or expansion of rotational grazing systems, including:
- Temporary or permanent cross-fencing
- Permanent exclusion fencing from wetlands and woodlots (must be part of a grazing management plan, see Documentation required with the application)
- Permanent perimeter fencing (must be part of a rotational grazing management plan, see Documentation required with the application)
- Temporary fencing to support the grazing of cover crops
- Watering systems and installation
  - Gravity fed systems
  - Solar, wind, or motorized powered pumps
  - 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
- Establishing stream crossings (i.e., bridges, bed level, mid-level, and full flow culverts)
- 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 (in 2024) BEFORE the Project Completion Date and BEFORE a claim can be submitted.

Eligible Activities

Ineligible Activities and Costs

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.
Perimeter/exclusion fencing if not part of a rotational grazing management plan provided with the application submission
Consulting services not related to a grazing management plan and/or 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/stream crossings/pasture rejuvenation costs not associated with establishing new or expanding existing acreage of a rotational grazing system
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
Costs of fertilizer and herbicide products
Planting of trees and shrubs
Invoices 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)
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)

Ineligible Activities

How Much Funding is Available?

What You Need to Know About In-Kind Contributions

How Much Cost-Share Funding Is Available?

Cost-share funding is available under the OFCAF at 65% of approved, eligible costs. A farm business can access a maximum of $75,000 in cost-share for all approved applications submitted to all project categories under the OFCAF*, from February 2022 until March 31, 2025.

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 $20,000 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)

Conservation Agreements

Key Guidelines

Required Participation in Knowledge Sharing Events

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.

Merit Assessment Criteria

Land Use Agreements

What Do I Need to Apply?

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
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, letters of support and/or supporting plans

Documentation Required with the Application

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 proposed and 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.)
- The rotation plan, including anticipated turnout and movement dates, as well as rest and grazing periods for each paddock
A rotational grazing management plan if your application includes the establishment of any perimeter and/or exclusion fencing. The written rotational grazing management plan must meet minimum requirements outlined here.

Unsure if you need to submit a plan with your application? Click 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.

How Do I Submit My Application?

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, enrol your farm business, and be ready for upcoming opportunities.

Limits of the Cost-Share Funding

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./li>
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, 2025, 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.

Limits of the Funding

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 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.)

Other Ineligible Activities

How Do I Submit a Claim?

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
Links to the necessary documents (e.g., Claim Form, Electronic Funds Transfer Form, Final Claim Questionnaire, etc.)
Information on how to submit your claim

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 and one of the following proofs of payment:

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.

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.

Qui peut présenter une demande?

- A valid farm business registration number (FBRN)For information on registering a farm business and/or a religious exemption, visit Overview (agricorp.com).

- A Religious Exemption Letter provided by the OMAFRA Appeal Tribunal (include with application submission)

- A Cultural Exemption Letter provided by the First Nations Agriculture & Finance Ontario to First Nations farmers, verifying the farm business operates in a First Nations community (include with application submission)

- 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)

- An income exemption from the Farm Property Class Tax Rate Program in the name of the farm business (include with application submission)

www.ontariopid.com

Activités et dépenses admissibles

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.
Materials (e.g., posts, wire, insulators, fencers, gates) and installation costs to support establishment or expansion of rotational grazing systems, including:
- Temporary or permanent cross-fencing
- Permanent exclusion fencing from wetlands and woodlots (must be part of a grazing management plan, see Documentation required with the application)
- Permanent perimeter fencing (must be part of a rotational grazing management plan, see Documentation required with the application)
- Temporary fencing to support the grazing of cover crops
- Watering systems and installation
  - Gravity fed systems
  - Solar, wind, or motorized powered pumps
  - 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
- Establishing stream crossings (i.e., bridges, bed level, mid-level, and full flow culverts)
- 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 (in 2024) BEFORE the Project Completion Date and BEFORE a claim can be submitted.

Activités admissibles

Activités et dépenses non admissibles

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.
Perimeter/exclusion fencing if not part of a rotational grazing management plan provided with the application submission
Consulting services not related to a grazing management plan and/or 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/stream crossings/pasture rejuvenation costs not associated with establishing new or expanding existing acreage of a rotational grazing system
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
Costs of fertilizer and herbicide products
Planting of trees and shrubs
Invoices 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)
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)

Activités non admissibles

Ce que vous devez savoir sur les contributions en nature

Combien d’aide financière à frais partagés est disponible?

Combien d’aide financière est disponible?

Ententes de conservation

Lignes directrices

Entente pour l’utilisation des terres

Critères d’évaluation fondés sur le mérite

De quoi ai-je besoin pour présenter une demande?

An FBRN or documentation in the name of the farm business, supporting an exemption or 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, letters of support and/or supporting plans

Documentation requise pour une demande

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 proposed and 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.)
- The rotation plan, including anticipated turnout and movement dates, as well as rest and grazing periods for each paddock
A rotational grazing management plan if your application includes the establishment of any perimeter and/or exclusion fencing. The written rotational grazing management plan must meet minimum requirements outlined here.

Unsure if you need to submit a plan with your application? Click 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.

Participation requise à des événements de partage des connaissances

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

Comment puis-je soumettre ma demande?

Limites de l’aide financière à frais partagés

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./li>
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, 2025, 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.

Limites de l’aide financière

Autres activités et dépenses non admissibles

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.)

Autres activités non admissibles

Comment puis-je soumettre une demande de remboursement?

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
Links to the necessary documents (e.g., Claim Form, Electronic Funds Transfer Form, Final Claim Questionnaire, etc.)
Information on how to submit your 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.

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