As part of the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative, the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI), provides cost-share funding to support farmers to accelerate the adoption of best management practices (BMPs) supporting soil health, water quality and productivity benefits on agricultural land across Ontario. The Initiative also provides enhanced funding on a regional basis for projects contributing to phosphorus reductions in the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watershed areas. Projects will focus on:
Equipment Modifications to Improve Manure Application
Equipment Modifications to Reduce Soil Compaction
Nutrient Application Equipment Modifications
Nutrient Management & Soil Health Planning
Erosion Control Structures
Adding Organic Amendments
Equipment and Technology to Enhance Manure Storage
Basic Energy Use Assessment (Level 1)
Detailed Energy Audit (Level 2)
Energy Efficiency Improvements
Larger-Scale Energy Efficiency Improvements
Intake Open Date: October 16, 2024, 9am ET
Intake Close Date: October 29, 2024, 5pm ET
Claim Deadline:
February 15, 2025, for costs incurred on or before February 15, 2025.
February 15, 2026, for costs incurred February 16, 2025, to February 15, 2026.
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Carefully read the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative Program Guideas only eligible and complete applications will be considered. The Program Guide provides information on eligible activities and costs, available cost-share, required application documentation, and provides a link to the OSCIA Portal. Sign up for an Online Information Session.
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Applications to the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative are submitted electronically through the OSCIA Portal. You will need to create an account and complete the Enrolment Form on the OSCIA Portal to be able to apply.
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The following must be included with an application submission:
Application Form
Valid premises identification (PID) number (for details, visit www.ontariopid.com)
Documentation to support an eligible farm business (only if an FBRN has not been provided)
If requesting the increased cost-share level, a copy of an eligible, complete Farmland Health Check-Up must have been submitted by the participating Certified Crop Advisor or Professional Agrologist
Are you looking for information on the
Agricultural Stewardship Initiative?
Funding supports equipment modifications to improve manure application, reduce soil compaction, improve nutrient application, and nutrient management and soil health planning.
For information on available cost-share, visit the Program Guide.
The Program Guide provides information on eligibility criteria, available cost-share, limits of cost-share funding and more; carefully read the guide before applying.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federalâprovincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agriâfood and agriâbased products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.
