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Agricultural Stewardship Initiative
Cost-share funding for Ontario farm stewardship
Last Update: June 16, 2026
Funding available
$ 90,000
Timeline
- Open Date : July 8, 2026
- Closing date : July 29, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Agricultural Stewardship Initiative provides cost-share support for Ontario farm businesses to improve environmental performance and on-farm sustainability. It supports energy assessments, energy efficiency improvements, manure and nutrient management, erosion control, organic amendments, and manure storage upgrades.
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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
- Maximum amount : 90,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : July 8, 2026
- Closing date : July 29, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
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 assessments
- Detailed energy audits
- Energy efficiency improvements
- Larger-scale energy efficiency improvements
- Farm stewardship projects for soil health, water quality, manure management, erosion control, and nutrient planning
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Previously completed energy audit, for some projects
- Completed energy worksheet, for some projects
- Farmland Health Check-Up, for some projects
- Valid farm business registration or exemption documentation
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Ontario farm operations
- Farmers
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
- Energy efficiency measures for homes or residences
- Non-agricultural activities on the farm property
- Equipment purchases related to expansions that increase overall energy use
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
- Lake Erie watershed
- Lake St. Clair watershed
Processing and Agreement
- Only complete and eligible applications are reviewed
- Applications are assessed through the OSCIA portal after submission
- Applicants receive approval instructions in a notification letter
- Claims must follow the approved program guide and approval letter
Additional information
- Only complete applications are reviewed.
- The Program Guide should be read before applying.
- Some project categories require a Farmland Health Check-Up.
- Claims must follow the approval notification letter and online program guide instructions.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative Program
What is the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative?
The Agricultural Stewardship Initiative provides cost-share support for Ontario farm businesses to improve environmental performance and on-farm sustainability. It supports energy assessments, energy efficiency improvements, manure and nutrient management, erosion control, organic amendments, and manure storage upgrades.
How much funding can be received?
Agricultural Stewardship Initiative Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $90,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative program?
To be eligible for the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative program, you must:
Ontario farm operations
Completed Environmental Farm Plan
Eligible project category
What expenses are eligible under Agricultural Stewardship Initiative?
Basic energy use assessments
Detailed energy audits
Energy efficiency improvements
Larger-scale energy efficiency improvements
Farm stewardship projects for soil health, water quality, manure management, erosion control, and nutrient planning
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