Funding supports 213 projects for resilient agricultural landscapes
The governments of Canada and Ontario have announced over $12.2 million in funding to support 213 agricultural projects across Ontario.
These projects aim to make farmland more resilient to extreme weather and climate change by promoting sustainable practices such as planting grasslands, reducing tillage, and creating water retention ponds.
This funding comes from the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP), part of the larger Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The initiative helps farmers strengthen the health of their soil and water, improve biodiversity, and ensure long-term productivity.
According to the Honorable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the program is vital to helping farmers overcome challenges posed by extreme weather and climate change. By improving the resilience of their lands, farmers can continue to grow and succeed for future generations.
Rob Flack, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, encourages farmers to apply for the program, with additional funding available in the second intake of applications.
Farmers can receive up to $30 per acre for reduced tillage and as much as $25,000 per acre for establishing new wetlands.
Phil Oegema, President of the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, added, "Ontario famers know good stewardship and best management practices are the key to soil health and building long term sustainability on our farms. OSCIA is pleased to deliver the Resilient Agricultural Landscape funding program under the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative to Ontario farmers to complete projects including reduced tillage, creating water retention ponds and wetlands, and establishing natural grasslands that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help sequester carbon."
The program aligns with the Grow Ontario Strategy, which focuses on ensuring the stability and sustainability of Ontario’s agricultural sector.