Project Guidelines and Application

Grasslands/Perennial Cover/Pollinator Strips

Funding is available to convert marginal or high-risk annual cropland (floodplains, steeply sloped, erosion prone or highly degraded soils) to permanent grassland.

Rates

  • $3,000, or up to 100% or project costs
  • Maximum = $12,000

Funding can be stacked with other funding programs up to 100%, if the other program allows for stacking. (Applicants must inform UTRCA of additional funding).

Requirements

  • Field(s) must be in the Upper Thames watershed
  • Applicants must have a verified 4th or 5th edition Environmental Farm Plan, or working towards the completion of an updated EFP within the timeline of project.
  • Applicants must have a Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) or provide proof that the land is assessed as “farmland” as per Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). The definition can be found at www.mpac.com)
  • Applicants must be willing to enter into a signed Land Use Agreement with UTRCA, committing the farm business to maintaining the project for a period of 15 years.
  • Plantings must include a diverse mix of perennial grassland species. A minimum of six native species is required. Please see list of recommended species: Grassland Species.
  • If seed is unavailable, please contract UTRCA staff for suitable substitution. Wildflowers may be considered where the perennial cover/grassland is not being harvested. Please see list of recommended species: Wildflower Species.

Eligible Costs

  • Materials associated with implementation of site preparation and planting (i.e. herbicide, seed, etc.)
  • Contracted labour and planting costs
  • Site preparation and seeding
  • Professional design fees for completed project

Ineligible Costs

  • Establishment of monocultures
  • Purchase of equipment
  • Planting of invasive species
  • Planting vines, ornamentals, and other species that are unlikely to offer valuable pollinator habitat
  • Planting for landscaping, or around buildings
  • Grant will not be paid on HST if the applicant is entitled to a HST rebate
  • Invoices not issued in the applications name or farm business

Grants under this program may not be combined with other initiatives that claim carbon credits. Projects funded through the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program will not be entitled to carbon credits/greenhouse gas (GHG) offsets for the 10-year period of the agreement, after which, applicants may be eligible for Federal and Provincial GHG offset systems, as applicable.

Contact

Tatianna Lozier, Acting Manager, Integrated Watershed Management

[email protected]

519-451-2800 ext. 233