Year 2 Is Now Open and Accepting Applications
Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program
The Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program is a new four-year program that offers incentives for cover crops, reducing tillage, 4R practices, manure management, as well as cost-share rates for a variety of practices.
There are a variety of practices that can reduce losses of phosphorus. Maintaining soil cover using cover crops and reduced tillage helps to prevent soil erosion and the loss of soil bound phosphorus. Applying 4R practices, limits excess phosphorus in the soil and limits the risk of losses following fertilizer applications. Shifting manure application to fields with lower soil phosphorus level can help lower the risks of P losses. Windbreaks, riparian buffers and wetlands help to hold water on the landscape and filter runoff.
Explore the categories below and click ‘Learn More’ to read the full guidelines and access the application forms.
Category Overview
Incentive Payments: Residue Cover
Eligible Projects
Rate
Limits
Guidelines
Residue Cover Projects cannot be stacked with other programs. Incentives for Reduced Tillage and Cover Crops cannot be combined on the same field. However, a $10/acre bonus is available if both practices are used together and the field maintains at least 80% residue cover overwinter.
Incentive Payments: 4R Phosphorus Management
New Basic Requirement A Crop Nutrient Plan is required for any field enrolled in a 4R Phosphorus Management category. Funding is available to update or create new plans. Existing plans can also be used if they meet the minimum criteria for a plan.
Eligible Projects
Rate
Limits
Guidelines
Manure Sampling
100%
$500
email Chris Van Esbroeck
Stacking Incentives
- Crop Nutrient Planning can be combined with any category.
- Residue Cover and 4R Management Categories can by combined on the same field.
- Subsurface P Placement cannot be combined with Manure Management on the same field.
Cost Sharing Opportunities
Eligible Projects
Rate
Limits
Guidelines
Application and Review Process
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Review Project Guidelines
Submit an application
UTRCA will review, and follow up with their decision
Complete your project
UTRCA will review and perform a final inspection
Submit the Expense Claim Form, and provide documentation
Payment is issued
Participation and Data Sharing
By applying, you consent to UTRCA collecting, managing, and sharing project cost and crop management data with public and government partners to support watershed environmental goals. Data will be shared only in aggregate form, without business or personal identifiers.
By participating, you acknowledge that UTRCA may collect photos and videos for social media or print use. You also agree to project inspections during normal business hours with reasonable notice.
Important Notes
UTRCA Watershed Map
Before applying, ensure your project is within the Upper Thames River watershed. View map here.
Funding Limits
The maximum amount of funding that a farm business can receive over the course of the program is $75,000
Prioritization
Priority will be given to:
- Projects in designated subwatersheds and areas prone to erosion
- New Practices: Applicants implementing practices new to their operation
- Within the Subsurface Placement Category: Preference will be given to no-till and strip-till systems
Projects may be waitlisted due to high demand. If funds allocated for priority projects remain unclaimed, these funds may be used to support waitlisted projects.
Additional Criteria
- Applicants must be an Ontario resident
- Projects must meet all municipal, provincial, and federal regulations
- The applicant is responsible for obtaining all necessary approvals and permits
Contact
This program is funded by the Canada Water Agency.
