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
The Regional Tile Drainage Initiative supports the installation of tile drainage in Northern Ontario to increase arable land and enhance crop yields. Eligible activities include:
- Tile drainage contractor costs (materials and labour)
- Project management/administration fees of the service provider
- Installation on new or existing production land
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$150,000
Sault Ste. Marie
Installation of tile drainage on 500 acres in Sault Ste. Marie to increase crop yields.
$87,500
Sudbury
Enhancement of 300 acres of agricultural land in Sudbury through tile drainage installation.
$45,000
Timmins
Installation of tile drainage on 150 acres in Timmins for better water management and improved crop yield.
$72,500
North Bay
Improving 250 acres of cropland in North Bay through comprehensive tile drainage installation.
$102,500
Kenora
Tile drainage project for 350 acres in Kenora aimed at enhancing canola and sunflower crop yields.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The Regional Tile Drainage Initiative is designed to support the agriculture sector in installing tile drainage to increase the amount and improve the quality of arable land in Northern Ontario, resulting in more productive growing seasons and increased crop yields for producers.
- Not-for-profit, agricultural, or community organizations that would, on behalf of an identified consortium of producers, develop and administer a project to install tile drainage within a specific region.
- Tile drainage contractor costs (materials and labour)
- Project management/administration fees of the service provider
- Land to be tiled can be in production or new acreage
- Individual producers must make cash contributions of at least 10% of the contractor costs specific to their individual acreage
- Installation must be completed by a licensed contractor in compliance with the Drainage Guide for Ontario
- GPS map of tiled areas must be provided for final payment
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Not-for-profit, agricultural, or community organizations that can develop and administer a project to install tile drainage within a specific region (i.e., a consortium service provider) are eligible for this grant. Individual farmers must be "shovel-ready" and meet specific requirements to be included in the project's consortium.
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Agricultural organizations
- Community organizations
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant. Companies that are not-for-profit, agricultural, or community organizations on behalf of an identified consortium of producers are eligible. Commercial for-profit companies are not eligible for this grant.
- Commercial for-profit companies
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include tile drainage contractor costs (materials and labour) and project management/administration fees. Land to be tiled can be in production or new acreage.
- Tile drainage contractor costs (materials and labour)
- Project management/administration fees of the service provider
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- Agricultural or community organizations must show they can develop and administer a project to install tile drainage.
- The consortium service provider must meet specific project requirements and commitments outlined in the program guidelines.
- Producers must make cash contributions, use licensed contractors, and follow program rules for reimbursement.
- Consultation with OMAFRA staff and technical reviews are mandatory parts of the due diligence process.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Contact Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) staff to discuss proposed projects
- Step 2: Ensure each farmer within the consortium is identified
- Step 3: Submit application with detailed project plan and individual farmer information
- Step 4: Await OMAFRA technical review as part of due diligence process
- Step 5: Ensure project completion within two years of approval
Apply to this program
Regional Tile Drainage Initiative
Overview of the Regional Tile Drainage Initiative
The Regional Tile Drainage Initiative, part of the Grow program supported by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), aims to assist agricultural organizations in implementing tile drainage systems to enhance arable land in Northern Ontario. This initiative offers funding to not-for-profit, agricultural, or community organizations working on behalf of farmers to install tile drainage, improving land productivity and crop yields.
Eligibility and Funding Details
Eligible organizations can receive support for tile drainage contractor costs, project management fees, and land tiling expenses. Funding covers 50% of contractor costs up to $500 per acre and 100% of project management fees up to $100 per acre, with a maximum NOHFC investment of 50% or $1 million. Individual farmers must contribute at least 10% of contractor costs for their acreage, and projects must be completed within two years of approval.
Program Requirements and Process
To qualify for funding, farmers must be part of a consortium with a designated service provider, ensuring compliance with installation standards and providing necessary documentation for payment requests. The installation must be done by licensed contractors, and farmers need a Farm Business Registration or an exemption confirmation from Agricorp to participate. Farmers must also commit to maintaining the tiled land for at least five years after completion to avoid repayment of the NOHFC contribution.
Additional Information and Resources
Consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is recommended for project viability, with OMAFRA's technical review being a mandatory part of due diligence. Funding adjustments are made if farmers exit the consortium, and detailed GPS mapping of tiled areas is required for final payments. The initiative emphasizes readiness, collaboration, and sustainable land management practices to support agricultural growth in Northern Ontario.
