The provincial and federal governments have added four new project categories under the Growing Forward 2 Program that are dedicated to helping farmers transition to a low carbon economy, aiming to support Ontario farmers while boosting energy efficiency on farming operations.
The support will help farmers modify their equipment and improve efficiency at existing agricultural production facilities, ultimately reducing carbon emissions and improving soil health and nutrient management.
“A sustainable environment and economy are important to Ontario’s thriving agri-food sector. Our farmers have completed more than 24,700 environmental farm projects across the province since 2005,” shared Jeff Leal, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This investment demonstrates our government’s continued commitment to assisting farmers in their efforts to enhance environmental stewardship.”
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs news release states eligible projects include:
- Supporting farmers to retrofit grain dryers to improve heat recovery
- Modifying fertilizer and manure application equipment to improve nutrient placement within soil and reduce runoff into Ontario’s waterways
- Improving the energy efficiency of lighting systems in agricultural buildings to help farmers conserve energy
To be eligible for this cost-share support, all approved projects must be completed by December 15, 2017.
Applications will be accepted in two intake periods: from April 4 to April 18, 2017, and from May 12 to June 1, 2017.
For more information about the Growing Forward 2 cost-share funding assistance program for producers, its guidelines and the application process, visit the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association website.
Since Growing Forward 2 launched, the governments of Ontario and Canada have committed more than $48.5 million to over 4,300 projects with Ontario agricultural producers.