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Government promises $9M to new initiative to support farm efficiency
Program aims to help farmers boost sustainability
September 26, 2024 By Greenhouse Canada
The initiative aims to enhance management practices to support soil health, water quality, and energy efficiency while increasing on-farm productivity. Up to $9 million in government funds are being assigned to the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative.
In a recent press release, the governments of Canada and Ontario announced the initiative through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, to enhance management practices to support soil health, water quality, and energy efficiency while increasing on-farm productivity.
Some farmers have received up to $90,000, depending on the project category.
“Farmers care deeply about the environment and they’re constantly making their operations more sustainable,” said Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, in the release.
“This important investment will help farmers here in Ontario adapt to environmental challenges, so they can continue to succeed for generations to come.”
Farmers will be able to submit up to two applications to the program, depending on their needs.
A verified, complete, fourth edition Environment Farm Plan (EFP) is required to be eligible for funding.
“This forward-thinking initiative is one of many that our Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership with the federal government secures, with $569 million in total investments set to flow to Ontario’s agriculture and food sector by 2028,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, in the release.
“We encourage our world-class farmers to seize the opportunities this program offers to improve their soil health, food production and long-term competitiveness – key goals of our Grow Ontario Strategy.”
The Agricultural Stewardship Initiative is being delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA).
“OSCIA is pleased to continue delivering this great opportunity for Ontario farmers,” said Phil Oegema, president of OSCIA, in the release. “Accelerating the adoption of industry-leading management practices to support soil health, water quality, and productivity on agricultural land across Ontario aligns with OSCIA’s mission to facilitate responsible economic management of soil, water, air, and crops through innovative farming practices.”
More information about the initiative can be found here.
Just use ‘funding’
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