Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program - Water Retention Features

Overview of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program - Water Retention Features program:

Water retention features result in more resilient agricultural landscapes with an increased ability to help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions and manage fluctuations in water resources, creating more resilient agricultural production and providing many other ecological and water quality benefits.

Benefits of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program - Water Retention Features program:

• $6,000/acre for rejuvenating an existing water retention feature and/or shallow groundwater type feature (minimum depth 15 feet after rejuvenation)
• $10,000/acre for establishing a new water retention feature and/or lined reservoir type feature (minimum depth 15 feet)
• Applicants may submit up to two (2) active applications across all project categories at any given time in the intake. The maximum RALP funding allocation for a single project is $150,000.

Eligibility criteria of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program - Water Retention Features 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.