How much funding can be received?

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|terms_and_conditions

The INVEST North Program — Regional Tile Drainage offers a structured financing approach to promote agricultural development through tile drainage installation. The funding is conditional and supports consortiums of producers in Northern Ontario.

Funding is provided as a conditional contribution covering 50% of tile drainage contractor costs up to $500 per acre.
100% of project management/administration fees of the service provider are covered, calculated as 10% of contractor costs, up to $100 per acre.
The maximum investment by NOHFC will not exceed the lesser of 50% or $1 million towards eligible project costs.
The financial contribution requires individual producers to provide at least 10% in cash towards their specific contractor costs.
Repayment obligations may be triggered if a farmer ceases operations or sells the tiled land within five years following project completion.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports projects aimed at enhancing agricultural infrastructure through tile drainage systems in Northern Ontario. The eligible activities focus on improving arable land productivity and optimizing project management.

Installation of tile drainage systems by licensed contractors.
Coverage of contractor costs for materials and labour involved in tile drainage.
Payment of project management and administration fees for the service provider overseeing the tile drainage installation.

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 INVEST North Program — Regional Tile Drainage aims to enhance agricultural productivity by focusing on specific regions in Northern Ontario. Eligible geographical areas are based on the program's objective to support regional development in Northern Ontario.

Organizations operating within Northern Ontario.

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.