Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)
At a glance
- No Condition
- Unspecified
- All industries
- Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association
Overview
Eligibility criteria
The Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) provides cost-share funding to farmers to support the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) to tackle climate change through reducing emissions of GHGs and supporting increased carbon sequestration. Eligibility criteria for the grant include:
- Submission during specified application intakes as per the Online Program Guide
- Submission of complete and eligible applications only
- Inclusion of Enrolment and Application Form, FBRN or supporting documentation, MPAC Assessment, Premises ID Number, and required project documentation
- All forms and documentation can be submitted electronically at OSCIAPortal.org or via email/post to the provided addresses
Who is eligible
Eligible types of companies for the Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) grant include:
- Farmers in Ontario
- Those willing to implement best management practices to reduce GHG emissions and increase carbon sequestration
Eligible expenses
The Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) provides cost-share funding to farmers to support the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) to reduce emissions of GHGs and increase carbon sequestration. Eligible expenses include:
- In-field nitrogen management
- Cover cropping
- Rotational grazing
Eligible projects & activities
The Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) provides cost-share funding to farmers for implementing best management practices to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting carbon sequestration. Eligible projects include nitrogen management, cover cropping, and rotational grazing.
- Nitrogen management practices
- Cover cropping
- Rotational grazing systems
Evaluation & selection 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
How to apply
- Step 1: Applications are only accepted during application intakes, which can be found in the Online Program Guide.
- Step 2: Carefully review the Online Program Guide as only eligible and complete applications will be considered.
- Step 3: Include the following with an application submission:
- Enrolment and Application Form
- 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 (see Documentation required with the application in the program guide); this may include site sketches and supporting plans/assessments
- Step 4: Submit Enrolment and Application Forms and all required documentation electronically at OSCIAPortal.org or by email/post to the provided addresses.
- Step 5: Refer to the Online Program Guide for program information, including eligibility criteria, project category information, and application intake dates.
Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund Summary
The Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) offers cost-share funding to farmers for implementing best management practices to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration.
Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund Detailed Overview
The Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) supports farmers in Ontario by providing cost-share funding for the adoption of best management practices (BMPs) that address climate change challenges. Managed by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), the fund focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting increased carbon sequestration in agricultural practices. Farmers can access financial support under three project categories: nitrogen management, cover cropping, and rotational grazing. The program is designed to enable farmers to implement environmentally sustainable practices while improving their farm operations.
The OFCAF application process involves submitting an Enrolment and Application Form along with supporting documentation such as FBRN or MPAC Assessment, Premises ID Number, and site sketches or plans. The program guide, available online, outlines eligibility criteria, project details, and application intake dates. Farmers are encouraged to participate in Farmer Information Sessions and online training sessions to navigate the application process efficiently.
Through cost-share funding at 65% of approved project costs, the OFCAF aims to encourage farmers to adopt BMPs that contribute to reducing GHG emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration. Eligible costs can be incurred for new practices starting from January 1, 2023, benefiting farmers seeking to improve their sustainability practices. By supporting initiatives like OFCAF, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada aims to promote environmental stewardship, sustainable agriculture, and climate action in the farming community.
