Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)
Highlights
The Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) is designed to help your farm tackle climate change. This program offers cost-share funding to support best management practices (BMPs) that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. You can receive funding for projects in nitrogen management, cover cropping, and rotational grazing.
Why should you apply?
- 65% cost-share funding on approved project costs.
- Support for new practices on your farm, starting from January 1, 2023.
- Flexible application process with online and mail-in options.
What’s in it for you?
- Financial assistance to implement sustainable practices.
- Improved farm resilience and productivity.
- Contribution to climate action while enhancing your farm’s operations.
Applying is straightforward, and the benefits are substantial. This program not only supports your farm financially but also helps you adopt practices that are good for the environment.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Cost-Share Funding
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- No repayment terms or interest rates apply, as this is not a loan.
Eligible Expenses:
- Nitrogen management practices
- Cover cropping practices
- Establishing or expanding rotational grazing systems
Use of Funds:
- Funds can be used to support the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration.
Restrictions on Use of Funds:
- Funds cannot be used for expenses outside the approved project categories (nitrogen management, cover cropping, and rotational grazing).
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with this program.
Qualifications
- Must be a farmer in Ontario.
- Must implement best management practices (BMPs) in nitrogen management, cover cropping, or rotational grazing.
- Must have a valid and up-to-date Premises ID Number.
- Must provide a Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) or documentation supporting an exemption.
- Must submit the most current Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) Assessment.
- Must include site sketches and supporting plans/assessments with the application.
Applications are only accepted during specified intake periods.
Disqualifications:
- Businesses not operating in Ontario.
- Applications submitted outside the specified intake periods.
- Incomplete applications lacking required documentation.
Description
The Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) offers your business a chance to receive cost-share funding to help you implement best management practices (BMPs) that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase carbon sequestration. You can get up to 65% of approved project costs covered.
Funding can be used for:
- Nitrogen management: Improve your nitrogen use efficiency.
- Cover cropping: Enhance soil health and reduce erosion.
- Rotational grazing: Improve pasture productivity and reduce GHG emissions.
Eligible costs can be incurred from January 1, 2023, and must be for new practices on the acres applied for. This program is an excellent opportunity to make your farming practices more sustainable while receiving significant financial support.
Program Steps
Review the Online Program Guide: Ensure you understand the program details, including the application intake dates and eligibility criteria.
Gather Required Documentation: Prepare the following documents:
- Enrolment and Application Form
- Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) or documentation supporting an exemption or most current MPAC Assessment
- Valid and up-to-date Premises ID Number
- Any additional documentation required, such as site sketches and supporting plans/assessments
Complete the Enrolment and Application Form: Fill out the form accurately and completely.
Submit Your Application: You can submit the Enrolment and Application Form along with all required documentation electronically at OSCIAPortal.org. Alternatively, you can email the forms and documentation to [email protected] or mail them to 1-367 Woodlawn Rd. W., Guelph, ON, N1H 7K9.
Attend a Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE): Participate in a KSE to gain insights and confirm your participation as required by the program.
Monitor Your Application Status: Keep track of your application status through the OSCIA portal or by contacting the program administrators.
Follow Up: If additional information or documentation is requested, provide it promptly to ensure your application is processed without delay.