Agricultural Stewardship Initiative – Funding Opportunities for Growers

AGRICULTURAL STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE ANNOUNCES 4th INTAKE

Funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (S-CAP) and part of the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative, the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI), provides cost-share funding to support farmers to accelerate the adoption of best management practices (BMPs) supporting soil health, water quality, energy efficiency, and productivity benefits on agricultural land across Ontario. The Initiative also provides enhanced funding on a regional basis for projects contributing to phosphorus reductions in the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watershed areas.

Intake Opens: July 8, 2026 at 9:00am EDT

Intake Closes: July 29, 2026 at 3:00pm EDT

Claim Deadlines: February 15, 2026 & September 30, 2027

This initiative provides cost-share funding to accelerate adoption of BMPs that reduce input costs.  Cost share varies by category.  There are 11 categories. Details about eligible and ineligible activities for all project categories can be found at:

Requirements

Farm businesses that file farm business taxes in Ontario as demonstrated by one of the following:

• A valid farm business registration number (FBRN).
• A Religious Exemption Letter provided by the OMAFA Appeal Tribunal (provide with application submission).
• A Cultural Exemption Letter provided by the First Nations Agriculture & Finance Ontario (FNAFO), formerly known as the Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario to First Nations farmers, verifying the farm business operates in a First Nations community (provide with application submission).
• An income exemption from the Farm Property Class Tax Rate Program (i.e., Start-up farm businesses, Business structure change, Not a normal production year, Age/Illness/Death of a spouse) (provide with application submission).

Applicants must also:

• Have a verified, 4^th or 5th Edition Environmental Farm Plan; and,
• Be in compliance with all requirements of the law and must remain in compliance for the duration of the project.

Applicants completing projects in the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watersheds:

• May be eligible for regionally enhanced funding if they have completed a Farmland Health Check-Up by working with a participating advisor.