Funding Awarded to Help Improve Resilience of Ontario Farmland

The federal and Ontario governments have awarded over $12.2 million through the first intake of a new program aimed at helping farmers in the province protect their land from extreme weather. 

A joint release on Wednesday said the money – allotted through the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program - will support 123 projects that include the planting of grasslands and trees, reducing tillage, and creating water retention ponds.  

The improvements help farmers increase their resilience against extreme weather events and enhance the health of their soil and water, while boosting biodiversity on their properties, a federal release said. Funding amounts vary according to the type and scope of the project. 

“Our hardworking farmers face many challenges that are outside of their control, especially when it comes to extreme weather events and the impacts from climate change,” said federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay. “Through the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program, we can help them protect their land against these unpredictable challenges so they can continue to grow and succeed for generations to come.” 

Funding is still available through the second intake of the initiative which opened on June 3, 2024. Farmers are encouraged to apply through the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association website. Eligible applicants could receive $30 per acre for reduced tillage, and up to $25,000 per acre for the establishment of new wetlands on agricultural lands. 

“We strongly encourage our farmers to apply and take advantage of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program, as funding remains available and open for new applications,” said Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.