Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program - Natural Grassland Establishment

Overview of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program - Natural Grassland Establishment program:

RALP funding supports the costs associated with establishing and maintaining native perennial grasslands on marginal or lower productivity agricultural landscapes in Ontario. A grassland is an ecosystem dominated by grasses rather than trees, and it includes a variety of non-grassy herbaceous plants collectively known as "forbs." In moist soils, these grasslands can transition into marshlands dominated by sedges instead of grasses (adapted from Tallgrass Ontario).

Benefits of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program - Natural Grassland Establishment program:

• Funding is available under RALP at a per-acre rate for completing the approved resilient agricultural landscape project. Two rates are available, depending on the nature of the proposed project:
• Rate 1:
• $1,000/acre for rejuvenation of an existing native perennial grassland. Eligible applications must increase density and diversity of the grassland with a minimum of 5 native species being planted.
• Rate 2:
• $3,000/acre for establishment of a new native perennial grassland on marginal agricultural land where there are currently no perennial grasses. Eligible projects must establish a multi-species, diverse (greater than 10 species) perennial native grassland.

Eligibility criteria of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program - Natural Grassland Establishment program:

• Eligible applicant are farm businesses that file farm business taxes in Ontario as demonstrated by any of the following:
• A valid Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN)
• Religious Exemption
• Submit a Religious Exemption Letter from the OMAFRA Appeal Tribunal with your application.
• Cultural Exemption
• Provide a Cultural Exemption Letter from the First Nations Agriculture Finance Ontario (FNAFO), verifying that the farm operates in a First Nations community. Include this with your application.
• Income Exemption
• Submit documentation for an income exemption from the Farm Property Class Tax Rate Program. This could be due to:
  • Start-up farm businesses
  • Business structure changes
  • An abnormal production year
  • Age, illness, or death of a spouse
• Additional Requirements:
• Environmental Farm Plan
• Have a verified 4th Edition Environmental Farm Plan.
• Land Use Agreement
• Be willing to sign a Land Use Agreement with OSCIA, committing to maintain the proposed practice on the specified acres for the timeline defined in the agreement.
• Legal Compliance
• Comply with all legal requirements and maintain compliance throughout the project.
• Eligible Lands for the Project:
• Privately Owned Farmland
• Includes all managed lands for agricultural production (e.g., crop land, grazing, orchards), as well as wetlands, woodlots, and yard sites associated with farming operations.
• Rented Land
• Land rented for agricultural production from a third party.
• Crown Land
• Federal, Provincial, Municipal, or Territorial Crown Land leased for agricultural practices.
• Indigenous Lands
• Lands managed for agricultural production in Indigenous communities.
• Ensure all necessary documentation is provided with your application to be considered for funding.