Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program- Perennial Biomass Crops

Overview of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program- Perennial Biomass Crops program:

Growing perennial biomass crops more often and changing poor or risky cropland to these crops makes agricultural landscapes stronger. This helps capture more carbon, cut greenhouse gas emissions, stop soil erosion, and offers many other environmental benefits.

Benefits of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program- Perennial Biomass Crops program:

• $500/acre for establishing and maintaining of perennial biomass crops on lands currently in annual crop production
• $1,000/acre for establishing perennial biomass crops on marginal and high-risk lands currently in annual crop production
• Eligible activities include:
  • Establishing perennial biomass crops including seed, plants, site preparation, and fertilizer, as required to establish perennials.
  • Control of invasive species to improve establishment and maintenance of the biomass crop, including mowing or chemical treatments adhering to conservation best management practices. Practices must be outlined in the letter of support.
  • Purchase, rental or other use of equipment required to establish the eligible perennial biomass crop.
  • Costs of third-party technical expertise to support detailed project planning, design, planting/establishment, and on-going consultation to maintain a healthy planting.

Eligibility criteria of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program- Perennial Biomass Crops program:

• Farm businesses in Ontario can demonstrate eligibility by providing one of the following:
• Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN):
• A valid FBRN is required.
• Religious Exemption Letter:
• Provided by the OMAFRA Appeal Tribunal, to be included with the application.
• Cultural Exemption Letter:
• Issued by the First Nations Agriculture Finance Ontario (FNAFO) for farm businesses operating in a First Nations community, to be included with the application.
• Income Exemption from the Farm Property Class Tax Rate Program:
• Applicable for start-up farm businesses, business structure changes, abnormal production years, or due to age, illness, or death of a spouse. Relevant documentation must be provided with the application.
• Additional Requirements:
• Environmental Farm Plan: Must have a verified 4th Edition Environmental Farm Plan.
• Land Use Agreement: Must be willing to enter into a signed Land Use Agreement with OSCIA, committing to maintain the proposed practice on the specified acres for the duration defined in the agreement.
• Legal Compliance: Must comply with all legal requirements and maintain compliance throughout the project.