Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)
ON, Canada
Cost-share funding for Ontario farmers
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateFebruary 13, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateFebruary 27, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Access cost-share funding to implement new practices under in-field nitrogen management, cover cropping and rotational grazing systems in order assist tackling climate change through reducing emissions of GHGs and supporting increased carbon sequestration
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) provides cost-share funding to support farmers in implementing best management practices aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration. The financing modalities include significant cost-share opportunities to amplify the impact of these practices.
- Cost-share funding covers 65% of approved project costs.
- Eligible costs include those incurred from January 1, 2023, for the implementation of new practices on applied acres.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund assists farmers in adopting best management practices to mitigate the impact of climate change. The fund focuses on practices that lower greenhouse gas emissions and boost carbon sequestration within agricultural operations.
- Implementation of nitrogen management strategies to optimize fertilizer use and reduce emissions.
- Establishment or expansion of cover cropping practices to improve soil health and carbon capture.
- Development of rotational grazing systems to enhance pasture health and biodiversity.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 12,000
Implement rotational grazing systems to improve pasture health and reduce GHG emissions
$ 24,000
Implement precision nitrogen management practices on 100 acres to reduce emissions
$ 17,600
Implement a nitrogen management plan on 50 acres to reduce GHG emissions
$ 20,000
Establish cover cropping on 15 acres to enhance soil health and carbon sequestration
$ 16,000
Introduce cover cropping on 10 acres to improve soil health and capture more carbon
$ 14,400
Upgrade farm infrastructure to support rotational grazing and reduce GHG emissions
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) requires applicants to meet specific criteria concerning their operational and documentation status.
- The applicant must be a farmer in Ontario implementing best management practices (BMPs) for nitrogen management, cover cropping, or rotational grazing.
- The applicant must submit an Enrolment and Application Form.
- The applicant must provide an FBRN or documentation supporting an exemption or a current MPAC Assessment.
- The applicant must have a valid and up-to-date Premises ID Number.
- The applicant must include required documentation that may involve site sketches and supporting plans/assessments.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) include farmers in Ontario who are implementing best management practices (BMPs) related to nitrogen management, cover cropping, and rotational grazing. The funding is geared towards supporting projects that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sequestration on farms. Farmers must have up-to-date and valid Premises ID Numbers and provide detailed site sketches and supporting plans as part of their application.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund provides cost-share funding to farmers for implementing best management practices to mitigate climate change impacts. These practices aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sequestration.
- Nitrogen management in agricultural practices.
- Cover cropping techniques to improve soil health and capture carbon.
- Rotational grazing systems to enhance pasture management and sustainability.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) is delivered to farmers in the province of Ontario. The funding is specifically targeted at Ontario-based farming operations.
- Farms across all regions of Ontario.
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The following criteria are used in the evaluation and selection process:
- Complete and eligible application submission
- Enrolment and Application Form provided
- FBRN or documentation supporting an exemption or most current MPAC Assessment
- Valid and up to date Premises ID Number
- Documentation required to be submitted with the application
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Review Application Dates
- Check the application intake dates in the Online Program Guide to ensure submission during the open period.
- Step 2: Access Online Program Guide
- Carefully review the Online Program Guide to understand eligibility and application requirements.
- Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
- Complete the Enrolment and Application Form.
- Obtain your FBRN or documentation supporting an exemption or the most current MPAC Assessment.
- Ensure you have a valid and up to date Premises ID Number.
- Gather any additional documentation required, such as site sketches and supporting plans or assessments.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit the Enrolment and Application Forms and all required documentation electronically at OSCIAPortal.org.
- Alternatively, send the completed forms and required documents by email to ofcaf@ontariosoilcrop.org or by mail to the specified postal address.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Cost-share funding is available at 65% of approved project costs.
- Eligible costs can be incurred starting from January 1, 2023, for practices that are new to the acres being applied for.
- OFCAF supports best management practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration.
- Farmers are encouraged to participate in Farmer Information Sessions to learn more about the program.
- Sessions will be delivered both virtually and in-person throughout the province.
- An online application process is available through OSCIA's portal.
Apply to this program
Boosting Sustainable Practices in Agriculture
The Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) offers vital cost-share funding to Ontario farmers aimed at enhancing best management practices that address climate change. This program is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration through improved agricultural methods.
In-Depth Look at the Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund
The Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF), facilitated by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), is a groundbreaking initiative envisioned to empower Ontario farmers in their journey towards more sustainable practices. Recognizing the substantial role that agriculture plays in environmental stewardship and climate change mitigation, this fund prioritizes the adoption of best management practices (BMPs) such as optimized nitrogen management, extensive cover cropping, and the implementation of rotational grazing systems. By doing so, the fund aims to support the agricultural sector in its efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and enhance the sequestration of carbon.The fund operates under a cost-sharing model, with approved project costs eligible for reimbursement at a rate of 65%, providing significant financial relief and motivation for farmers to adopt new, eco-friendly methods. This structure allows the farming community to undertake large-scale projects that may have been financially prohibitive without such support, thereby driving innovation and environmental responsibility.Eligible projects can commence from January 1, 2023, meaning that farmers can initiate their sustainable practices early in the year and still qualify for funding support. This early start allows for comprehensive planning and execution, ensuring that farmers can see tangible benefits of their initiatives within a single growing season. The scope of expenses that can be covered includes but is not limited to equipment purchase, infrastructure upgrades, and operational adjustments directly linked to the new practices.To streamline the application process, OSCIA has made comprehensive resources available online. Potential applicants can access detailed guidelines through the Online Program Guide, which outlines project criteria and intake periods. It is imperative that farmers wishing to participate pay meticulous attention to these guidelines to ensure their applications are complete and viable.Furthermore, OSCIA provides extensive support in the form of Farmer Information Sessions, which are available both virtually and in-person across various locations in Ontario. These sessions are designed to provide farmers with essential insights into the application process, ensure clarity on the requirements, and facilitate a smoother transition towards sustainable farming practices.OSCIA also hosts sessions focused on navigating their online application platform, which allows applicants to manage their submissions electronically. This digital approach not only simplifies the application process but also ensures that submissions are easily accessible and manageable.The OFCAF initiative is part of a larger government effort, funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions program, which seeks to fortify the agriculture sector's role in combating climate change. By driving significant changes on a farm level, these efforts contribute to broader national environmental goals, laying the foundation for a sustainable agricultural framework moving forward.In conclusion, the Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund represents a significant opportunity for Ontario farmers to improve their environmental impact. By embracing practices that reduce emissions and enhance carbon sequestration, the sector not only contributes to combatting climate change but also positions itself as a leader in sustainable agriculture. The financial and educational supports provided by OFCAF ensure that farmers have the resources needed to implement effective environmental strategies that promise long-term benefits for the agricultural industry and the planet as a whole.
