Two New Cost-share Opportunities for Agriculture in SW Ontario

Guelph, ON - Two new cost-share programs: the Manure and Biosolids Management Program and the Dust Deflector Program are now available to producers.

These targeted programs are part of the Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (GLASI)—a partnership between the governments of Canada and Ontario to support the adoption of innovative agricultural practices in the Lake Erie basin and the southeast shores of the Lake Huron watershed. They are geared towards custom manure and/or biosolids applicators working in the area, and to farmers who use vacuum planters.

“What really has us excited about the Manure and Biosolids Management Program is its capacity to have a positive impact across southwestern Ontario,” said Alan Kruszel, President of the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. “Management changes on the land that make more efficient use of these nutrient resources will lead to positive changes in Great Lakes water quality.”

The Manure and Biosolids Management Program is targeted specifically at licensed nutrient application technicians or prescribed materials application license holders working in the eligible watersheds. Funding of 75%, up to $25,000 per business is available to help implement one or more Best Management Practices, including modifications to existing equipment to facilitate injection applications and in-crop applications, and to increase the precision of applications.

Another key aspect of GLASI—and the focus of the Dust Deflector Program—is mitigating the potential adverse effects on pollinators from the use of insecticide seed treatments from vacuum planters.

“Ontario farmers are concerned about what’s happening with pollinator populations in the province, and this cost-share program provides support for those who are interested in adopting innovative practices,” said Christine Schmalz, Environmental Programs Manager. “This is another opportunity for farmers to demonstrate that they’re taking positive action to maintain pollinator health.”

GLASI’s Dust Deflector program allows farmers to apply for 75% cost-share, up to $3,000, for installing dust deflectors on their vacuum planters. The opportunity extends to factory installed, aftermarket, and custom designed on-farm deflectors.

Both programs are available until March 31, 2015 and funding is retroactive to April 1, 2014 for activities that took place last season and over the winter. Applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested in applying are encouraged to move quickly to take advantage of these programs.

For more information on eligibility and deadlines for GLASI’s Manure and Biosolids Management Program and the Dust Deflector Program, please visit our website at www.ontariosoilcrop.org/en/programs.htm.

For any questions, please contact Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association by phone (226-706-8669) or by email (GLASI@ontariosoilcrop.org).

GLASI is part of Growing Forward 2, a comprehensive federal-provincial-territorial framework aimed at encouraging innovation, competitiveness and market development in Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sector.

Source: OSCIA