Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program- Perennial Warm Season Pastures

Overview of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program- Perennial Warm Season Pastures program:

Planting perennial warm-season grasses more often in pastures makes farms stronger and healthier. These grasses help the land capture more carbon from the air, which is good for the environment. They also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which helps fight climate change. Additionally, these grasses help prevent soil from washing or blowing away, keeping the land fertile. By planting these grasses, farms can enjoy many other benefits, like improving water quality and providing better habitats for wildlife. Overall, this practice leads to more sustainable and resilient agricultural landscapes.

Benefits of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program- Perennial Warm Season Pastures program:

• Rate 1: $500/acre for establishment and maintenance of perennial warm season pastures in annual crop rotations.
• Rate 2: $1,000/acre for establishment and maintenance of perennial warm season pastures on marginal and high-risk lands currently in annual crop rotations.
• Eligible activities include:
  • Establishing perennial warm season pastures including seed, plants, site preparation, and fertilizer, as required to establish perennials.
  • Control of invasive species to improve establishment and maintenance of the pasture, including mowing or chemical treatments adhering to conservation best management practices for pastures. Practices must be outlined in the letter of support.
  • Purchase, rental or other use of equipment required to establish the eligible perennial warm season pasture.
  • 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 Warm Season Pastures program:

• Farm businesses in Ontario can qualify by meeting one of the following criteria:
• Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN)
• Provide a valid 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.