INVEST North Program — Regional Tile Drainage
ON, Canada
Funding to increase crop yields in Northern Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
- Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Your not-for-profit agricultural organization, on behalf of a consortium of producers, could get financial assistance to cover 50% of the costs of installing tile drainage to improve the quality of arable land within a specific region in Northern Ontario,
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant initiative is focused on supporting agricultural projects within a specific geographic region to promote regional development. Qualified applicants must be located in Northern Ontario as it is tailored for enhancing the agricultural output of this area.
- Northern Ontario
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$87,500
Enhancement of 300 acres of agricultural land through tile drainage installation
$102,500
Tile drainage project for 350 acres aimed at enhancing canola and sunflower crop yields
$72,500
Improving 250 acres of cropland through comprehensive tile drainage installation
$45,000
Installation of tile drainage on 150 acres for better water management and improved crop yield
$150,000
Installation of tile drainage on 500 acres in Sault Ste Marie to increase crop yields
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for the Grow - Regional Tile Drainage grant require specific characteristics of the applicant organizations.
- The applicant must be a not-for-profit, agricultural, or community organization.
- The organization must apply on behalf of an identified consortium of producers.
- The consortium must aim to develop and administer a tile drainage installation project within a specific region.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Not-for-profit, agricultural, or community organizations representing a consortium of producers interested in installing tile drainage in a designated region can apply. These organizations act as consortium service providers, managing and administering the project on behalf of the producers.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Only not-for-profit, agricultural, or community organizations acting as consortium service providers with identified producers are eligible for this grant. This excludes certain types of entities based on their status and main activities.
- For-profit businesses and corporations.
- Individual farmers not part of an identified consortium.
- Organizations not involved in agriculture or community services related to farming.
- Entities without a legal not-for-profit status.
- Organizations unable to manage or administer a consortium service project.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant is designed to enhance agricultural productivity in Northern Ontario by financing tile drainage projects. Eligible activities funded under this grant mainly pertain to the installation and management of tile drainage systems.
- Tile drainage contractor costs, including materials and labour.
- Project management and administrative fees for service providers.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers costs associated with tile drainage installation and project management fees for eligible organizations.
- Tile drainage contractor costs, including materials and labour.
- Project management/administration fees of the service provider.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- Feasibility and readiness of the project, ensuring that projects can be "shovel ready" and completed within two years.
- Inclusion of identified farmers within the consortium, who meet all outlined eligibility requirements.
- Ability to provide detailed GPS mapping and necessary documentation such as maps of tiled areas and the design's compliance with the Drainage Guide for Ontario.
- Alignment with the technical standards and approval facilitated by OMAFRA, including a mandatory technical review.
- Capability to ensure that each participating farmer’s financial contributions meet the stipulated 10% minimum of contractor costs.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Grow – Regional Tile Drainage grant:
- Step 1: Preliminary Consultation
- Contact the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) staff to discuss the project viability.
- Prepare to undergo an OMAFRA technical review as it is mandatory for the application process.
- Step 2: Form Consortium
- Identify and assemble a consortium of producers who are eligible and "shovel-ready".
- Ensure that each farmer within the consortium has a Farm Business Registration or qualifies for an exemption.
- Gather written lease agreements from producers leasing land for a minimum of five years.
- Step 3: Prepare Application
- Prepare a detailed project proposal outlining the objectives, expected outcomes, and project timeline.
- Include maps showing proposed tile installations and any technical designs in compliance with the Drainage Guide for Ontario.
- Draft a budget detailing contractor costs, administration fees, and required contributions from individual producers.
- Compile all necessary supporting documentation required for verification.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit the complete application package to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).
- Ensure all consortium members are accounted for and contribute their required cash contributions.
- Step 5: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive confirmation of receipt from NOHFC for the submitted application.
- Keep a record of the application number for future reference.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Projects should be shovel-ready and must be completed within two years of approval.
- Project funding will be adjusted if a farmer drops out of the consortium after application submission.
- Each farmer in the consortium must be identified at the application stage.
- A farmer must meet specific regulatory and contractual requirements to be included in a consortium.
- If a farmer stops farming or sells the tiled land within five years, they may need to repay the conditional contribution.
Apply to this program
Enhancing Agricultural Productivity in Northern Ontario
The Regional Tile Drainage Initiative offers support to agricultural and community organizations in Northern Ontario by subsidizing the installation of tile drainage systems. This initiative aims to enhance arable land quality, boost crop production, and improve productivity for local producers.
Understanding the Regional Tile Drainage Initiative and Its Significance
The Regional Tile Drainage Initiative is a strategic grant program designed to support the agricultural community in Northern Ontario by providing funding to install efficient tile drainage systems. This initiative recognizes the critical role that effective land drainage plays in maximizing the productivity of agricultural lands, particularly in regions where soil moisture levels can impede crop growth and yield. By removing excess water from farmland, tile drainage can significantly enhance the quality and amount of arable land available, leading to more productive growing seasons and ultimately, increased crop yields for local producers.
Eligible applicants for this initiative include not-for-profit organizations and agricultural or community groups that act as consortium service providers on behalf of local producers. This collaborative approach ensures that multiple stakeholders can benefit from the project, fostering a sense of community and shared development objectives. The initiative is particularly forward-looking, aiming to not only improve current agricultural productivity but also to contribute to sustainable land management practices that will benefit future generations of farmers in the region.
Funding provided under this initiative comes in the form of a conditional contribution, with support for up to 50% of the tile drainage contractor costs, capped at $500 per acre. Additionally, the grant covers 100% of the project management and administration fees of the service provider, calculated as 10% of the contractor costs to a maximum of $100 per acre. This structured funding approach ensures that a significant portion of the project costs are covered, making the installation of tile drainage systems more financially accessible for local producers.
The program is geared towards projects that are shovel-ready and capable of completion within two years, reflecting the urgency and importance of addressing drainage issues in the region. It requires input from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) as part of a mandatory technical review process, ensuring that all projects adhere to best practices and regulatory requirements. This collaboration not only streamlines the process but also enhances the credibility and effectiveness of the funded projects.
Benefiting from this initiative requires a clear understanding of the program's eligibility criteria, which includes the stipulation that land being tiled can either be already under production or new acreage. The projects must be implemented by licensed contractors with designs compliant with the provincial Drainage Guide. Funding is meticulously managed, with documentation such as GPS maps and identification of tiled properties required for approval and payment processing.
In summary, the Regional Tile Drainage Initiative is a transformative program for the agricultural sector in Northern Ontario. By providing essential funding to optimize land drainage, it enables farmers to overcome natural geographical challenges and enhance their productivity. This initiative is not just an investment in agricultural efficiency; it is a commitment to nurturing the economic and environmental resilience of Northern Ontario's agricultural landscape.
