10 Follow us on Twitter @BetterFarmingON Better Farming | May 2024 Ontario producers have access to many grants and cost-share programs. Most of these programs aim to improve the feasibility of implementing practices that improve environmental sustainability and industry competitiveness. Some programs are region or industry specific, and some may have defined goals such as improved nutrient management or soil health. Many industries also have risk management and advanced payment programs, which make operation growth more attainable for farms of all sizes. Financial incentive programs offer many opportunities for Ontario farmers to try new management practices, but to be worthwhile, it is necessary for the application process to be manageable and accessible to all farmers. When Better Farming readers were asked if they had used cost-share programs or grants for farm improvements, 60 per cent stated that they had completed projects using funding from these programs. Producers who responded also shared their comments about which programs they had used, the projects they had completed, and how they found the application process. Jon, Niagara Region: “We’ve used them for grassed waterways.” Steve, Brant County: “We put VeryHigh Flexion (VF) tires and air inflation systems on three planters. They are easy to apply for and all online.” Christine, Bruce County: “We may use them in the future.” Ernie, Wellington County: “We have not used any at this time.” Veronique, Wellington County: “We are using it for paying back the COVID fund.” Geoff, Bruce County: “We used cost-sharing to get into strip tillage and to gain the ability to precisionapply manure.” Bill, Elgin County: “We used it for GPS. We have nothing planned now.” Larry, Brant County: “We used it to improve soil conditions.” Joan, Grey County: “We purchased establishment equipment for cover crops. Applications are getting easier.” Lloyd, Bruce County: “We used it for reduced tillage equipment, manure storage upgrades, and windbreaks. I am not applying for any more now or in the near future. It is too much paperwork and then grant money is used up in the first 15 minutes after opening, so it’s useless and not worth bothering.” Allan, Peel Region: “We used Environmental Farm Plan for no-till equipment and fertilizer application efficiency. We are looking into other programs at the moment. I’m doing my homework.” Adam, Waterloo Region: “Yes, we applied for a sub-surface nitrogen placement project, and no, I will not be applying this round. “I feel the application process keeps getting more laborious with less chance for approval.” Wayne, Perth County: “We used it for planter dust control. It was online and simple.” Moe, Essex County: “I have used cost-share funding. The application process is not fun. It’s lots of work and you have to apply in the middle of the night or early morning on the day the program opens because funding is used up by daybreak. I have used it for variable-rate nitrogen application technology, drainage mains, and controlled drainage.” Doug, Middlesex County: “We have used programs for tree planting and manure storage. The application process was lengthy but manageable.” BF Digging Deeper Some farmers have used cost-share programs to improve nitrogen management and soil conditions. Emily Croft photo HOW DO YOU USE FINANCIAL INCENTIVES? Grants & cost-share programs can encourage new management practices. By Emily Croft
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