Funding for environmental projects available

By Gary Sliworsky
OMAFRA Rep.

The Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program (COFSP) is an environmental cost-share program available to agricultural producers. Ontario producers who satisfy the program eligibility criteria may be eligible to apply to COFSP to gain cost share for the implementation of environmental projects. Cost-share opportunities offered through COFSP are designed to encourage the adoption of new Best Management Practices to reduce environmental risks.
The Canada-Ontario EFP and the COFSP are administered by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) acting on behalf of the Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition. OFA enlisted the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association to deliver the programs to agricultural producers.
Note that producers must have each of the following (as applicable) before submitting a Project Proposal Application for the COFSP:
-Producers with livestock or poultry as a primary commodity must have a Premises Identification Number for the property where the proposed project will be located. Producers should contact OnTrace to register at www.ontraceagrifood.com or by calling toll-free 1-888-388-7223;
- A current Farm Business Registration Number or equivalent;
-A Third Edition Environmental Farm Plan deemed appropriate through peer review.
For the 2011 cropping year, Project Proposal Applications will be available through the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association on November 15, 2010. The local contact is Richard Trivers, 274-2930. Projects started on or after September 15, 2010 may be eligible for cost-share.
Some changes to the Best Management Practices (BMP) categories:
•The funding cap for BMP category 14 – Improved Cropping Systems has been adjusted to $5,000 per farm business.
•BMP category 26 – Energy Conservation Measures for Agricultural Purposes has been expanded to accommodate renewable energy production for on-farm use.
•BMP category 27 – Renewable Energy Production for Agricultural Purposes that was available in the previous year is no longer available.
•BMP category 28 – Livestock Mortality Management is now available at 30 per cent cost-share.

Dates to Remember
Growing Your Farm Profits Workshop
Emo Inn
Day 1 - November 2, begin 9:30 a.m.
Day 2 - November 9, begin 9:30 a.m.
The Growing Your Farm Profits workshop can help you identify, plan for and reach your business goals. The program focuses on understanding your farm business activities, why it’s important to plan, develop long term goals, and develop a set of actions to achieve those goals.
The workshop will help you identify your top priorities, develop an action plan, and provide direction regarding industry resources to aid in implementation. Register by contacting Richard Trivers at 274-2930, cell: 276-0589.