Open
Source verified July 25, 2026
Agricultural Stewardship Initiative
Cost-share support for Ontario farmers
Latest source updateLast Update: July 24, 2026Latest change: The Agricultural Stewardship Initiative moved from Upcoming to Accepting Applications, and several program pages now show direct portal links for applying.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 24, 2026
Latest change: The Agricultural Stewardship Initiative moved from Upcoming to Accepting Applications, and several program pages now show direct portal links for applying.
Agricultural Stewardship Initiative now accepting applications
The Agricultural Stewardship Initiative is now shown as Accepting Applications instead of Upcoming, and the 2026 intake remains listed with an open date of July 8, 2026, at 9:00 am ET and a close date of July 29, 2026, at 3:00 pm ET. Several supporting program pages also added or surfaced direct APPLY NOW or portal links, while intake-only submission notes were removed from those pages. One program guide page also broadened eligible manure-spreading activity wording to explicitly include new manure spreading units that can operate at lower rates to improve application accuracy. No funding amounts or cost-share rates changed in the visible updates.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Agricultural Stewardship Initiative provides cost-share funding for farmers through the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative, with enhanced regional support for phosphorus reduction projects in the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watershed areas. It supports best management practices such as energy assessments, manure storage improvements, and erosion control structures.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Increase operational productivity
- Optimize production processes
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Basic Energy Use Assessment (Level 1) and Detailed Energy Audit (Level 2)
- Energy Efficiency Improvements and Larger-Scale Energy Efficiency Improvements
- Equipment Modifications to Reduce Soil Compaction and Equipment Modifications to Improve Manure Application
- Nutrient Application Equipment Modifications and Nutrient Management and Soil Health Planning
- Erosion Control Structures, Adding Organic Amendments, and Equipment and Technology to Enhance Manure Storage
Documents Needed
- Certificate of completion for a 4th or 5th Edition Environmental Farm Plan
- Completed Farmland Health Check-Up (FHCU) for select phosphorus reduction projects in the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watersheds
- Completed Energy Worksheet
- Previously completed energy audit that meets the minimum requirements for a Detailed Energy Audit (Level 2) or equivalent
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Supporting document
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Farmers and producers
Eligible expenses
- Cost-shared project costs for approved agricultural stewardship work
- Costs tied to energy audits, efficiency upgrades, and farm practice improvements
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Equipment purchases related to expansions that result in an overall increased energy use
- Energy efficiency measures for homes or residences, permanent or temporary
- Non-agricultural activities on the farm property
Eligible geographic areas
- Lake Erie watershed
- Lake St. Clair watershed
How to apply
- Submit the Enrolment and Application Form and all required documentation electronically through the OSCIA Portal
Processing and Agreement
- Applicants to project categories receive notification by email approximately 35 business days or 50 business days after the application intake closes
- The eligible project start date is the date specified in the approval or partial approval letter or notification issued by OSCIA for each successful application
- Projects cannot be started before that date
- Eligible costs can only be incurred, invoiced and/or paid by the applicant on or after the date specified on the approval or partial approval notification
- If documentation is not received with the submission, the application may be considered incomplete and will not be assessed
Additional information
- As part of the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative, the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative provides cost-share funding to support farmers.
- It helps accelerate the adoption of best management practices that support soil health, water quality, energy efficiency, and productivity benefits.
- The program is associated with the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative Program
What is the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative?
The Agricultural Stewardship Initiative provides cost-share funding for farmers through the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative, with enhanced regional support for phosphorus reduction projects in the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watershed areas. It supports best management practices such as energy assessments, manure storage improvements, and erosion control structures.
Who is eligible for the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative program?
To be eligible for the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative program, you must:
A verified complete, 4th or 5th Edition Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is required for all eligible applications
Some select phosphorus reduction projects in the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watersheds require a completed Farmland Health Check-Up (FHCU)
Larger-Scale Energy Efficiency Improvements must be supported by a previously completed energy audit
What expenses are eligible under Agricultural Stewardship Initiative?
Basic Energy Use Assessment (Level 1) and Detailed Energy Audit (Level 2)
Energy Efficiency Improvements and Larger-Scale Energy Efficiency Improvements
Equipment Modifications to Reduce Soil Compaction and Equipment Modifications to Improve Manure Application
Nutrient Application Equipment Modifications and Nutrient Management and Soil Health Planning
Erosion Control Structures, Adding Organic Amendments, and Equipment and Technology to Enhance Manure Storage
Who can I contact for more information about the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative?
You can contact Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) by email at s-cap@ontariosoilcrop.org or by phone at 519-826-4214.
Where is the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative available?
The Agricultural Stewardship Initiative program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Agricultural Stewardship Initiative is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative?
Agricultural Stewardship Initiative is funded by Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA)