Dufferin Rural Water Quality Program

• Environmental Farm Plan
• Project application form
• Invoices and proof of payment
• Application paperwork listed in the approval letter
• Copy of the well record, if applicable

Who is eligible?

• Farmers
• Rural landowners
• Agricultural landowners in Dufferin County
• Ontario residents with eligible rural property

Who is not eligible

• Applicants without agricultural or rural land in Dufferin County
• Projects that are new operations or building expansions
• Projects that increase herd capacity

Eligible expenses

• Materials and supplies
• Professional, design, engineering, and supervision fees
• Required permits and fees
• Contractor labour for approved projects

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Labour and machinery use of the applicant, family dependents, or the applicant’s business
• HST when the applicant is entitled to a rebate
• New operations, new buildings, and expansions to increase herd capacity
• Primary research and farm equipment purchases

Eligible geographic areas

• Dufferin County, Ontario

• Potential to improve and protect water quality
• Priority is given to projects with higher water-quality benefits
• Projects are reviewed by a local committee with agricultural and municipal representation

• Step 1: Complete Environmental Farm Plan
  • Complete the Environmental Farm Plan before payment eligibility.
  • Submit it for confidential review through the program’s EFP process.
• Step 2: Contact local program staff
  • Speak with your local Conservation Authority staff about your proposed project.
  • Confirm that the project fits the program guidelines and arrange a site visit if needed.
• Step 3: Submit the application
  • Send the application to Conservation Authority staff.
  • Staff forward it to the Rural Water Quality Program Review Committee.
• Step 4: Wait for approval
  • The Review Committee evaluates the project.
  • Once approved, you receive written notice to start the work.
• Step 5: Request payment after completion
  • Complete and pay for the project.
  • Provide invoices, proof of payment, and any paperwork listed in the approval letter.
  • Staff inspect the project before reimbursement or incentive payment is issued.

• Submit the application to local Conservation Authority staff.
• A local review committee evaluates the project for water-quality benefits.
• If approved, the applicant is notified in writing to proceed.
• After completion, staff inspect the project before payment is issued.
• Payment is made after the required paperwork is submitted and reviewed.

• Environmental Farm Plan completion is required before payment.
• Projects may be combined with other funding sources, up to 100% of total costs.
• Retroactive applications may be accepted for recent completed projects.
• Funds are allocated on a priority basis for projects with higher water-quality benefits.