OSCIA - Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association - Communicating and Facilitating Responsible Economic Management of Soil, Water, Air and Crops

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January 27, 2012

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	Upcoming Events	Complete List of Upcoming Events
	Jan 21 FarmSmart Agricultural Conference Guelph Jan 23 GFO District 1 Meeting Essex Jan 23 Canadian Farm Business Management Council presents FREE Agriwebinar Jan 24 GFO District 4 Meeting Middlesex Jan 24 Weed Identification and Management Course Markdale Jan 25 GFO District 2 Meeting Kent Jan 25 Canadian Farm Business Management Council presents FREE Agriwebinar Jan 26 Ontario Canola Growers Association Annual Meeting Jan 26 GFO District 3 Meeting Lambton Jan 26-29 Guelph Organic Conference Jan 27 GFO District 5 Meeting Elgin/Norfolk Feb 7,8 OSCIA ANNUAL MEETING London

The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), founded in 1939, is a unique non-profit farm organization. Our dedicated membership represents virtually all commodity groups across the province.

Fifty county/district associations encompassed by 11 Regions make up OSCIA's network of innovative producers. Field days, crop tours and local workshops are organized locally to introduce new methods of crop and soil management. Farmers, working with farmers has been the motto of OSCIA for decades.

Grey County Beef Producer Acclaimed as OSCIA President Elect for 2012, August 10/11
Read more...

Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are assessments voluntarily prepared by farm families to increase their environmental awareness in up to 23 different areas on their farm. Through the EFP local workshop process, farmers will highlight their farm’s environmental strengths, identify areas of environmental concern, and set realistic action plans with time tables to improve environmental conditions. Environmental cost share programs are available to assist in implementing projects.

Project cost share opportunities presented by the Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program (COFSP) are associated with the Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan (EFP). Both COFSP and EFP are funded
through Growing Forward Best Practices suite, supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).

Cost share may be available to help producers improve management of agricultural properties by adopting Best Management Practices (BMP) that contribute to water and air quality, improved soil productivity, enhanced wildlife habitat, or result in energy conservation.

Click Environmental Programs for more information on Environmental Farm Planning and the associated cost share programs.

All cost-share funds for program year four (2012-2013) of the Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program (COFSP) have now been fully committed. September 15, 2011 Read more...

Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program (COFSP)
What to expect for the 2012 cropping year: beginning September 15, 2011 Read More ..

The Project Proposal Application forms for the Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program (COFSP) for the 2012 cropping year under the Growing Forward Environment and Climate Change initiative will be available from OSCIA Program Representatives starting September 15, 2011.

Cost-share funds available through COFSP will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Farm businesses are encouraged to carefully review the COFSP Project Eligibility Policy and Procedures booklet and program brochures before making application to the program.

There may be other environmental cost-share opportunities delivered through OSCIA available for your area; inquire with a local Program Representative for details or periodically check the OSCIA web site at www.ontariosoilcrop.org for updates.

For information on other Growing Forward programs, please visit www.ontario.ca/growingforward or call 1-888-479-3931.

The Business Development for Farm Businesses program helps producers improve their business planning by combining self-assessment and action plan development with a range of cost-share funding for advisory services, training and business plan implementation. This program can help you reach your farm business goals.

The Growing Your Farm Profits workshop is where you start. It is a two-day, interactive workshop that is the entry point to potential cost-share opportunities. The workshop will help you assess your current farm management practices, identify priorities and develop action plans aimed at reaching your business goals. After attending both days of the workshop a Workshop Leader will meet with you to review your action plans. You may then be eligible for cost-share funding for advisory services and skills training.

Applications for the 2012 Program Year Four Business Development for Farm Businesses Program are available online. Click here. Printed versions are available from your local Workshop Leader or by calling the OSCIA Guelph Office and requesting one to be mailed to you. Eligibility requirements are detailed in the Program Guide. Year Four projects must be completed and claim submitted by January 15, 2013.

Funding is still available for 2012 (Program Year 4)

New opportunities introduced in 2011? Print this document for easy review.

•    More opportunities for new farmers
•    Support for leadership and governance skills
•    More Advanced Business Plans
•    New project application format

Association Links

About Us
OSCIA Structure
Ontario Forage Master's Program
Crop Advances
Running Meetings & Strengthening Organizations link to OMAFRA factsheet

Environmental Program Links

Business Development Program Links

Association News

Grey County Beef Producer Acclaimed as OSCIA President Elect for 2012, August 10/11
Read more...

Announcing the 2010 county winners of the 2010 Ontario Forage Masters Program...
click here for a complete listing

Biotractor: On-Farm Evaluation of Biodiesel Use in Agricultural Equipment final report May, 2009
Read more...

Tru-Chek wedge-style rain gauges now available from the provincial office. PDF - Read More..

Environmental Program News

Rotational Grazing: Good for the Cows and Even Better for the Birds November 3, 2011. Read more...

Important Notice on COFSP Cost-Share Availability for the 2012 Cropping Year September 15, 2011. Read more...

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program for 2011-12 Announced August, 2011. Read more...

Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program (COFSP)
What to expect for the 2012 cropping year: beginning September 15, 2011 Read More ..

Solar Panels Help Offset Farm Business Energy Costs December 7, 2010 Read more...

Lighting System Upgrade Reduces Energy Costs by Half October 25, 2010 Read more...

Storage Liner Helps Protect Watershed from Fertilizer Runoff October 5, 2010 Read more...

Thermal Blanket Helps Lower Greenhouse Energy Costs July 15, 2010 Read more..

Demand for Program Funding Shows Farmers’ Environmental Commitment November 26, 2009
Read more...

Additional Funds for Farm Environmental Improvements in the Greenbelt November 18, 2009 Read more..

First-Time Farmer Taps Into Environmental Cost Share Programs September 3, 2009 PDF - Read more...
Lake Simcoe Farm Stewardship Program 2009-2010, July 20, 2009. Read more...

Canada and Ontario Invest in Environmental Stewardship on Farms - EFP and cost share programs announced for 2009 June 22, 2009. PDF - Read more...

Native Grass Plantings Add Diversity to Huron County Farm May 21, 2009. PDF - Read more...

Wildlife damage on farms is significant and on the rise May 13, 2009. Read more...

Greenbelt Farm Stewardship Program in the Holland Marsh April 9, 2009. Read more...

Business Development Program News

Business Development for Farm Businesses cost-share applications for 2012 are now available. Click here.

Growing Forward Business Development Program: Building Better Returns For Ontario’s Agri-Food Industry June 25, 2009. Read more...

Growing Your Farm Profits workshop for farm business planning. Delivered locally by OSCIA. Read more....

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Upcoming Events

Complete List of Upcoming Events