Lake Erie Agriculture Demonstrating · or email [email protected]. Environmental Farm Plan Applicants must have a peer-reviewed 3rd Edition Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) or

Lake Erie Agriculture Demonstrating

Sustainability

LEADS PRODUCER PROGRAM GUIDE

LEADS PRODUCER PROGRAM GUIDE2

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) is a five-year federal-provincial-territorial initiative to strengthen the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector, and increase its competitiveness, prosperity and sustainability.

In Ontario, strategic initiatives under CAP will focus on achieving key outcomes related to Economic Development, Environmental Stewardship, and Protection and Assurance.

Canadian Agricultural Partnership and Lake ErieThe Great Lakes are vitally important to the health, quality of life and prosperity of Ontario’s farmers, families and communities. The complex ecosystem that is the Great Lakes is being challenged by many factors, including climate change, population growth, invasive species and land management practices.

Recognizing the shared responsibility for this collective resource, Ontario – with partners from the United States and Canada – has committed to continuing to improve the health of the Great Lakes through various water quality agreements and partnerships, including the Canada-Ontario Lake Erie Action Plan.

Declining water quality has been a significant concern in Lake Erie, the shallowest of the Great Lakes. To support water quality improvements in Lake Erie, Ontario has committed to actions supporting phosphorus loss reductions across the basin, including adopting a target of 40 per cent phosphorus load reduction by 2025, using an adaptive management approach, for the Ontario portion of the western and central basins of Lake Erie.

Introducing the Canadian Agricultural Partnership

In February of 2018, the Canada-Ontario Lake Erie Action Plan was released. This plan was developed in collaboration with a diversity of stakeholders and will guide the implementation of action to work towards the reduction targets. Many sectors, including agriculture and agri-food, are already working together to take action towards achieving the necessary reductions.

Lake Erie Agriculture Demonstrating Sustainability ProgramThe Lake Erie Agriculture Demonstrating Sustainability (LEADS) program will support the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) on farms within the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watersheds. In particular, LEADS will support BMPs that improve soil health and address nutrient reduction targets. These projects will help to improve soil health, the health of our waterways, and support Ontario’s commitments to phosphorus loss reductions in these priority areas.

Producer Participation in LEADSThe Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) is responsible for administering LEADS cost-share funding to producers in the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watersheds. An interactive map showing these watersheds is available on the OSCIA website. Application guidelines and details about eligible BMPs are included in this Program Guide.

Applications will be accepted beginning April 3, 2018. Applications will continue to be accepted until the available funding is fully allocated. Program information is also available:

On the OSCIA website at: ontariosoilcrop.org By email at: [email protected] By phone at: 1-800-265-9751

LEADS

Working together for your farm’s future 3

Table of Contents

Applying for LEADS Cost-share Funding 4

Am I eligible? 4 What types of projects are ineligible? 5 How often can I apply? 5 How will my application be assessed? 5 What funding levels are available? 6 Can I apply for additional cost-share funding for adopting a Systems Approach? 6 How do I submit my application? 7 How will I be notified of cost-share funding decisions? 7 When do projects start and finish? 7 Checklist for Systems Approach Cost-share Funding 8

Claiming Cost-share Funding for Approved Projects 10

How will I receive my cost-share funding? 10 How do I submit a claim? 10 What are acceptable proofs of payment? 10 Is cost-share funding taxable? 11 What if I miss a deadline? 11 What costs are eligible for cost-share funding? 11 Are in-kind contributions eligible for cost-share funding? 12 What costs are not eligible for cost-share funding across all Best Management Practices? 13

Supported Best Management Practices 14 Crop Nutrient Planning 16 Cover Crops 17 Riparian Buffer Strips 18 Windbreaks and Wind Strips 19 Fragile Land Retirement 20 Erosion Control Structures 21 Tillage and Nutrient Application Equipment Modifications 22 Equipment Modifications to Reduce Soil Compaction 23 Adding Organic Amendments 24 Equipment Modifications to Improve Manure Application 25

Frequently Asked Questions 26

Definitions 26

Application Declaration 27


Applying for LEADS Cost-share Funding

Am I eligible? Any established farm business that is a legal entity and produces agricultural commodities in the Lake Erie and/or the Lake St. Clair watersheds under a valid Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) *, or an allowable exemption, is eligible to apply for cost-share funding under LEADS — provided that your farm business meets all of the requirements set out in this Program Guide. You must also have a Farmland Health Check-Up, a current Environmental Farm Plan, and a valid and up-to-date Premises Identification Number* for the farm property where the project is to take place.

In addition, you are required to be in compliance with all Requirements of the Law and remain in compliance for the duration of the project.

You must also be undertaking an eligible project that is located within the Lake Erie or Lake St. Clair watersheds. To determine if your farm business, where the project will be undertaken, is located within the Lake Erie or Lake St. Clair watersheds please use the interactive map hosted on the OSCIA website.*To register for an FBRN, visit Agricorp at www.farmbusreg.com. To register for a Premises Identification Number (Premises ID), visit the Provincial Premises Registry (PPR) at ontariopid.com.

LEADS


Farmland Health Check-Up

LEADS is a merit-based cost-share program. The funding level for each project is determined by the level of risk identified through the Farmland Health Check-Up. Cost-share funding is available for the implementation of a BMP or suite of BMPs that address that risk.

The Farmland Health Check-Up offers producers a unique opportunity to work with an Ontario Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) or Ontario Professional Agrologist (P.Ag) to assess the soil type, nutrient levels, soil erosion risk levels, and land management practices of up to three fields, and develop BMPs tailored to the specific in-field challenges.

For more information and a list of eligible CCAs and P.Ags, visit the Farmland Health Check-Up webpage, or email [email protected].

Environmental Farm Plan

Applicants must have a peer-reviewed 3rd Edition Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) or a verified complete 4th Edition EFP to apply to LEADS. However, for 2018 program year, all 3rd Edition EFPs must be updated to the 4th Edition EFP before project claims are submitted.For more information about the EFP, please visit the OSCIA website, or contact your local Workshop Leader.

What types of projects are ineligible? Projects that are not eligible for cost-share funding under LEADS, include those that:

Are not located in the eligible geographical area of the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watersheds

Promote Ontario products explicitly over those of another province or territory

Involve directly influencing or lobbying any level of government

Have the sole purpose of coming into or maintaining compliance with Requirements of the Law that pertain to current business operations

Support basic research (experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge without a commercial or other specific application in view)

How often can I apply? A farm business may submit up to three applications to LEADS for the 2018-2019 program year. Applications will continue to be accepted until the funds for the 2018-19 year are fully allocated. Eligible projects must be new to the farm business. A separate application must be submitted for each project.

Projects submitted to LEADS cannot receive funding from any other CAP program.

How will my application be assessed?LEADS supports a merit-based allocation of funding. Eligible projects will be awarded a level of funding that reflects the priority identified by the Farmland Health Check-Up. Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received until the available funding is fully allocated.


What funding levels are available?Cost-share levels are determined by the risk rating identified within your completed Farmland Health Check-Up.

Projects being implemented on multiple fields are evaluated on a field-by-field basis. Each field may receive a different level of cost-share based on the risks and priorities identified in your Farmland Health Check-Up.

The maximum LEADS funding available is $20,000 per application. Please note that equipment purchases cannot receive more than 50 per cent cost-share, regardless of risk rating. This includes all projects under the following three BMPs:

Equipment Modifications to Improve Manure Application

Tillage and Nutrient Application Equipment Modifications

Equipment Modifications to Reduce Soil Compaction

Can I apply for additional cost-share funding if I follow a Systems Approach?LEADS recognizes that multiple BMPs used in a “system” are often more effective than a single BMP to address nutrient loss risks. This additional support acknowledges the ongoing efforts of producers with advanced operations, where multiple BMPs have been implemented to support soil health and water quality.

An additional 5 per cent in cost-share funding is potentially available to producers who demonstrate that they have adopted a Systems Approach. In order to be considered for this funding, you must provide information on the Application Form that demonstrates that the project will be complemented or enhanced by the continued maintenance of previously implemented BMPs. For more information, see the Checklist for Systems Approach Cost-share Funding on pages 8 and 9.

Cost-share Levels

Farmland Health Check-Up Rating: PoorPriority Level: HighCost-share Funding: 65 per cent

Farmland Health Check-Up Rating: FairPriority Level: ModerateCost-share Funding: 55 per cent

Farmland Health Check-Up Rating: Good or Best, or a project on an unassessed fieldPriority Level: BaseCost-share Funding: 45 per cent

LEADS


How do I submit my application?Applications for LEADS will be accepted on a continuous basis beginning April 3, 2018.

Applications are submitted electronically*. You can apply and submit all required documentation at ontarioprograms.net.

Emailed applications will not be accepted. *If you cannot apply online, you may send hard copy applications and all required documentation to OSCIA by post or courier to 1 Stone Road West, Guelph ON N1G 4Y2. Copies of the Application Forms are available at ontarioprogramguides.net.

How will I be notified of cost-share funding decisions?You will be notified by mail once your application has been reviewed and a decision has been made — approximately 45 business days from the date that your application is received by OSCIA. There are three possible outcomes:

Application is approved – you will receive a letter confirming the amount of funding allocated to your project, as well as information about any specific requirement of this funding.

Application is conditionally approved – you will be notified about what additional information is required to finalize approval of your project.

Application is declined – you will receive a brief explanation for the decision.

When do projects start and finish?The start date for your project is the date that OSCIA sends you an Approval Letter for the successful project. Projects cannot be started before this date. Eligible costs can only be incurred, invoiced and paid for by the applicant after the date on which the Approval Letter is sent.

The project completion and claim submission deadline is December 1, 2018. Eligible costs must be incurred, invoiced and paid for by the applicant no later than this date.

Phot

o: A

gric

ultu

re a

nd A

gri-F

ood

Cana

da

Crop Nutrient Planning

In what year did you complete your last Crop Nutrient Plan for this farm?

What type of advisor did you use for your planning?

Does the planning document contribute to your ongoing production practices?

Cover Crops

Do you use cover crops annually?

How many acres do you use cover crops on annually?

Were/are your cover crops left in the field over winter?

Checklist for Systems Approach Cost-share Funding

Riparian Buffer Strips

What is the length and width of your riparian buffer strip?

What year did you most recently plant a buffer strip?

Windbreaks and Wind Strips

How many acres of fields are protected by windbreaks/wind strips?

What year did you last plant a windbreak or wind strip?

Do the plants in the windbreak or wind strip provide food sources, nesting sites or host plants for pollinators?

Fragile Land Retirement

How many acres of fragile land have you retired in the last five years?

Do the plants on your retired fragile land provide food sources, nesting sites or host plants for pollinators?

In order to qualify for a five per cent increase in CAP cost-share funding, you must answer the questions for at least two of the Best Management Practices (BMPs) identified in this checklist. Satisfactory answers for at least two BMPs will result in an additional five per cent in cost-share funding.

8

Erosion Control Structures

When was the erosion control structure implemented?

Was the erosion control structure designed by an engineer?

Tillage and Nutrient Application Equipment Modifications

How many acres are under no-till practices?

How many acres are under strip- till practices?

Do you have three or more crops in your rotation?


Do you have an on-the-go tire inflation system?

Do you use high flotation tires to reduce soil compaction?

Do you use this equipment on rented or owned land?

Adding Organic Amendments to Soil

How many acres do you apply organic amendments to?

What type of material do you apply to your fields?

Is adding organic amendments a regular annual practice for your farm?


How did you modify equipment to better apply organic amendments?

Since the equipment was modified, has it been used in each year of production?

How many acres are impacted through the use of this equipment?

LEADS

9


How will I receive my cost-share funding?Cost-share funding is paid once an approved project is complete and operational, and your submitted claim package has met all the requirements, and been approved by OSCIA. Payment will be made by cheque or electronic funds transfer (EFT) in the name of the individual or legal farm business.

How do I submit a claim?Claim Forms and information about submitting claims is provided to successful applicants with Approval Letters. Once an approved project is complete and operational, you can submit your complete claim package to OSCIA. Claims can be submitted at any time between the completion of your project and the claim deadline of December 1, 2018.

Only one claim can be submitted per project per program year, and only one payment will be made per claim.

OSCIA may request any additional information from the applicant that OSCIA deems necessary (e.g., copies of any Crop Nutrient Plans). OSCIA reserves the right to perform a project inspection at a mutually agreeable time, prior to the claim being processed.

This material can be provided to OSCIA by: Post or courier to 1 Stone Road W, Guelph ON N1G 4Y2 Email to [email protected]

Claiming Cost-share Funding for Approved Projects

Your claim package must contain:

Completed Claim Form

Proof of payment

Copies of all paid invoices

Completed Final Report survey

In-Kind Claim Declaration Form (if claiming funding for in-kind contributions

Proof of a verified complete 4th Edition Environmental Farm Plan (for those who received project approval with a 3rd Edition EFP)

What are acceptable proofs of payment?

Proof of payment must verify: Who paid

Who received payment

The amount of payment

The date of payment

Proof of payment may be any one of the following: Copy of front and back

of cancelled cheque

Electronic image of processed cheque

Statement from banking institution indicating to whom the processed cheque was written, or electronic payment made, and for what amount

Credit card or debit card receipt clearly identifying amount and to whom the payment was made. Credit card or debit card numbers and other information, including costs that are unrelated to the project, should be blacked out.

LEADS


Is cost-share funding taxable?All money that you receive through LEADS cost-share funding is considered income to the farm business for tax purposes. OSCIA will issue a tax form (AGR-1) and report the amount paid to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This is one of the reasons why your CRA number is collected, and it is the reason why an applicant’s Social Insurance Number (SIN) is collected if the applicant does not have a CRA Business Number.

What if I miss a deadline?If a project is not complete and operational, or if a complete claim is not submitted for the project to OSCIA by December 1, 2018, all cost-share allocated for the project may be forfeited. If meeting the claim deadline becomes problematic, contact OSCIA as soon as possible (before the claim deadline).

What costs are eligible for cost-share funding?Eligible costs are specific to each BMP and are listed in the BMP Description. This includes in-kind contributions. When incurring eligible costs, you must follow a process that is transparent, fair and promotes the best value for the money.

All businesses from which goods or services are purchased must be at Arm’s Length from the applicant, meaning not related to the applicant, not affiliated with the applicant, or controlled in any way by the applicant. If you have any questions about whether a supplier meets this requirement, please contact OSCIA at 1-800-265-9751.

Phot

o: A

ndre

w G

raha

m, O

SCIA


Are in-kind contributions eligible for cost-share funding?In-kind contributions may be eligible for cost-share funding for all BMPs, with the exception of Crop Nutrient Planning. Eligible in-kind contributions will be considered equivalent to cash payments for purchased goods and services. As such, the cost-share level and maximum LEADS funding level for the project apply to eligible in-kind contributions.

Claims for in-kind contributions must be supported by an In-Kind Contribution Form, which details specific hours worked, dates the work was performed, and the hourly rate(s) charged. Costs associated with education, project planning, supervision or administration are not eligible for funding.

Eligible in-kind contributions are invested in the project in the form of unpaid labour and/or use of farm business equipment and may be claimed as follows:

The maximum eligible labour rate is $20 per hour. OSCIA will make a final determination on what a reasonable number of hours claimed is based on the project and the nature of the work performed.

The maximum eligible in-kind equipment rate for a tractor and implement is $50 per hour of operation. This rate cannot be increased for heavy excavation equipment. Applicable in-kind operator charges may be claimed along with the in-kind equipment rate, at up to the accepted maximum hourly labour rate.

The maximum amount of in-kind payment for labour and equipment is $2,000.

LEADS


What costs are NOT eligible for cost-share funding across all BMPs?There are ineligible costs specific to each BMP. These are listed in this Guide for each BMP. This includes in-kind contributions, where ineligible. Ineligible costs across all BMPs include, but are not limited to:

Any cost not set out as an eligible cost and expenditure in the BMP Description

Any cost not specifically required for the execution of a project

Normal operating costs associated with carrying out or expanding a business’s current operations

Legal fees

Costs related to activities that promote Ontario products explicitly over those of another province or territory

Costs related to activities that directly influence or lobby any level of government

Costs of basic research

Normal commercial expansion costs

Costs of ongoing activities

Costs for rental of facilities, equipment or machinery for projects under the planning BMP

Costs of training and skills development that fulfill any academic requirements towards completion of a professional certificate, diploma or degree program

Costs of sponsorship of conferences and learning events or initiatives

Costs of travel, meals and accommodations

Consultant and other contractor expenses for any hospitality (e.g., provision of food or beverage at events), incidental or food

In-kind contributions except where indicated in this Program Guide

Permits and approvals

Purchase or sale of land, buildings or facilities or associated taxes or fees (e.g., land transfer tax)

Lease of land, buildings and facilities for the purpose of starting up a new business or as part of normal operation

Fertilizer or crop protection costs

New building construction

Typical farm equipment (e.g., tractors, skid steers, combines, livestock trailers) and related accessories or attachments (unless otherwise specified in the BMP Description)

Tile drainage systems

Production quota

Crop storage facilities

Mentoring or coaching services (unless otherwise specified in the BMP Description)

Financing charges, loan interest payments, bank fees and charges

Any cost, including a tax, that is eligible for a rebate, credit or refund (e.g., a refundable portion of the Harmonized Sales Tax)

Gifts and incentives

Multi-use items (e.g., that can reach beyond the scope of the project such as computers, printers, etc.)

Costs related to Ontario government promotional campaigns or branding

Costs for projects funded under other CAP programs

Costs for projects activities that have already been supported through past OSCIA funding programs (i.e., Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Initiative [GLASI], GF2)

Water Erosion• Cover Crops• Riparian Buffer Strips• Erosion Control Structures• Tillage and Nutrient

Application Equipment Modifications Wind Erosion

• Cover Crops• Windbreaks and Wind Strips• Fragile Land Retirement• Tillage and Nutrient

Application Equipment Modifications

Tillage Erosion• Cover Crops• Tillage and Nutrient Application

Equipment Modifications• Equipment Modifications

to Reduce Soil Compaction

Supported Best

Management Practices

Which BMPs address the Farmland Health Challenges

identified through your Farmland Health Check-Up?


LEADS

Soil Chemistry• Crop Nutrient Planning• Equipment Modifications to

Reduce Soil Compaction• Adding Organic Amendments

to Soil• Equipment Modifications to

Improve Manure Application

Surface Structure• Cover Crops• Tillage and Nutrient Application

Equipment Modifications• Equipment Modifications to Reduce

Soil Compaction• Adding Organic Amendments

to Soil

Phosphorus• Crop Nutrient Planning• Cover Crops• Riparian Buffer Strips• Windbreaks and Wind Strips• Fragile Land Retirement• Erosion Control Structures• Tillage and Nutrient Application

Equipment Modifications

Organic Matter• Cover Crops• Tillage and Nutrient Application

Equipment Modifications• Adding Organic Amendments


Improve Manure ApplicationSoil Life• Cover Crops• Tillage and Nutrient Application

Equipment Modifications• Equipment Modifications

to Reduce Soil Compaction• Adding Organic Amendments


Improve Manure Application

15Working together for your farm’s future


Crop Nutrient Planning

Projects will focus on developing first-time plans for improved nutrient management.

Who should apply? Producers who need to develop a first-time plan for improved nutrient management.

To apply you must Have a verified complete 4th Edition Environmental

Farm Plan (EFP) or a peer-reviewed 3rd Edition EFP

Be located within the Lake Erie or Lake St. Clair watersheds

Have a completed Farmland Health Check-Up, working with a participating Certified Crop Advisor

Eligible activities and expenditures Written Crop Nutrient Plan covering one full crop rotation

cycle (five-year plan required) that must include:

Soil sampling and analysis (including frequency of sampling, sampling plan and soil test results that include organic matter, soil phosphorus, pH, etc.)

Maps of fields, locations of any sensitive features requiring special management or setbacks

Plan must outline, at a minimum, the following details on a per field basis:

Crop rotation

Tillage practices for each crop

Nutrients applied from all sources (timing, placement, rates)

Crop removal and the nutrient balance for each crop, including credits from legumes and/or manure

Fertilizer recommendations for each crop

Management practices to reduce risk of nutrient loss

May also include the following other eligible activities to support the development of the Crop Nutrient Plan:

Manure sampling and analysis

Data collection materials such as soil probes

Plant tissue sampling and analysis

Contingency planning

Soil conservation practices and planning for implementation within the crop rotation

Annual subscriptions to data management systems (limit of one subscription per eligible farm business)

Consulting fees for plan development services provided by appropriate, qualified professional (e.g. Certified Crop Advisor)

Plans developed using NMAN or other planning and decision support tools

Ineligible activities and expenditures All ineligible activities and expenditures as detailed

on page 13

Yield monitors and other Global Positioning System enabled data collection tools

Technology where phosphorus use efficiency is not the primary objective, including Greenseekers and Soilscan units

Manure storage plans (i.e. the MSTOR portion of any plan)

Computer hardware and software

Costs associated with the renewal of an existing plan

Repeat services on the same crop areas

Crop scouting and pest monitoring

Professional services not directly related to the Crop Nutrient Plan

In-kind time invested by the producer for preparing the plan

All-terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

License activation fees

In-kind contributions are not eligible

Required documentation Certificate of completion for a 3rd Edition EFP

or letter of verification for a 4th Edition EFP

A copy of the Crop Nutrient Plan must be submitted with the project claim


SUPPORTED BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Cover Crops

Projects will focus on the use of specific cover crops to protect soil from erosion, enhance soil organic matter, and provide undisturbed cover over winter and early spring months.

Who should apply? Producers who have not left cover crops undisturbed throughout the winter more than three times in the past five years.

To apply you must Have a verified complete 4th Edition or a peer-reviewed

3rd Edition EFP



Eligible activities and expenditures Cost of seed for cover crops seeded across an entire

field to provide undisturbed cover over winter months (e.g. red clover, oilseed radish, mixtures)

Cost of seed for cover crops seeded in priority erosion prone areas (e.g. areas prone to water erosion, knolls on sandy soils) to provide undisturbed cover over winter months

Cost of seed for cover crops that are harvested or grazed, provided a minimum of 6 inches (15 cm) of cover crop growth is left intact over winter

Costs of planting cover crop incurred by the producer (in-kind) or custom applied (dedicated pass only)

In-kind contribution to a maximum of $2,000


on page 13

Costs associated with mechanical or chemical termination of the cover crop

Fertilizer and crop protection costs

Crops that will be harvested or grazed leaving less than 6 inches (15 cm) of cover crop growth over winter or cover crops that will be fall tilled

Alfalfa seed, winter wheat seed or seed for other commodity crops

Seed mixes containing invasive plant species (see invadingspecies.com/plants/)

Equipment purchase or modification costs

Seed produced by the farm business applying for funding



A dated photograph of the cover crop established in the field must be submitted at time of claim

Have you completed an Environmental Farm Plan?

Having a verified 4th Edition EFP or peer-reviewed 3rd Edition EFP is required to apply for all LEADS BMPs. If you haven’t completed one, sign up for a workshop online on the OSCIA website or contact OSCIA directly at 1-800-265-9751.


Riparian Buffer Strips

Projects will focus on the establishment of permanently vegetated buffer strips immediately adjacent to riparian zones alongside streams, drains, rivers, ponds, wetlands and lakes.

Who should apply?Producers farming alongside streams, drains, rivers, ponds, wetlands and/or lakes.


3rd Edition EFP



Eligible activities and expenditures Site preparation

Seeding field margins within or adjacent to riparian areas that were cropped within the past two years to permanent vegetative cover

Buffer strips shall be a minimum of three metres in width from top of bank

Purchase and planting of native or non-invasive introduced species of trees, shrubs, grasses, legumes or wildflowers to stabilize riparian zones

Tree species and planting techniques should adhere to practices that would typically be advocated by a professional forester

Total eligible costs for tree purchase and planting is capped at $50 per tree

Tree guards

Mulch

Weed control systems



on page 13

Payments for land taken out of production

Ongoing maintenance costs, including maintenance and renovation of existing tree plantings

Planting of invasive plant species

Establishment of trees, shrubs or other plantings that are intended for harvest for economic benefit within 15 years

Costs for tree stock and planting in excess of $50/tree

Livestock fencing and stream crossing structures

Alfalfa seed, wheat seed or seed for other commodity crops



Site sketch or AgMaps output

Plan for establishing riparian buffer strip

Phot

o: A

ndre

w G

raha

m, O

SCIA



Windbreaks and Wind Strips

Projects will focus on planting and maintenance of permanent tree windbreaks or vegetated wind strips, either perennial or seasonal, to control wind erosion.

Who should apply?Producers with fields where soils are at risk of wind erosion and who do not currently have windbreaks or wind strips, as well as producers maintaining these areas.


3rd Edition EFP



Eligible activities and expenditures Windbreaks

Site preparation

Purchase and planting of native or non-invasive introduced species of trees and shrubs (seeds, seedlings or plugs)

Tree species and planting techniques that adhere to practices that would typically be advocated by a professional forester

Weed control system

Mulch

Maintenance costs, associated with renovating existing tree plantings to enhance windbreak function

Wind strips

Seed costs for perennial or seasonal vegetative wind strips

In-kind contributions (for both windbreaks and wind strips) to a maximum of $2,000


on page 13

Trees, shrubs or other plantings for landscaping or around homesteads

Establishment of trees, shrubs or other plantings that are intended for harvest for economic benefit within 15 years

Important for All Applications

Those applying with a 3rd Edition EFP will be required to update to a 4th Edition EFP prior to submitting a claim and receiving final project payment.

The project being applied for must be identified as an action in the EFP, and effectively move a “1” or “2” rating to “3” or “4” (best) rating.



Costs for stock and planting in excess of $50/tree

Site preparation costs that exceed 10-times the cost of planting the field



Site sketch or AgMaps output

Planting plan


Fragile Land Retirement

Projects will focus on taking fragile lands out of agricultural production and seeding to permanent vegetative cover

Who should apply?Producers with fragile lands, including severely eroded knolls and compacted headlands, that were annually cropped within the past two years. Applicants must demonstrate a long-term commitment (at least 15 years) to retiring land in order to access support.


3rd Edition EFP



Eligible activities and expenditures Seeding fragile land sites to permanent vegetative

cover including establishing native trees or shrubs, native grasses or native wildflowers to stabilize sites

Site preparation

Purchase and planting of native or non-invasive introduced species of trees, shrubs, grasses, legumes or wildflowers

Tree planting techniques must adhere to practices that would typically be advocated by a professional forester

Weed control system, including mulch

Activities that are designed to manage and treat runoff leaving agricultural land and reaching watercourses

Constructed wetlands that collect and treat tile drain water or surface waters from agricultural land before entering a watercourse or drain

Enhancing standing inlets to slow movement of water from field and increase infiltration time

Installing biofilters

Installing vegetated grass strips on the contour to reduce velocity of water flow and increase infiltration



on page 13

Opportunity costs associated with payments for land taken out of production

Ongoing maintenance costs

Pasture rejuvenation and forage management costs


Costs for stock and planting in excess of $50/tree

Livestock fencing and stream crossing structures

Landscape quality or landscape type plantings

Establishment of trees, shrubs or other plantings that is intended for harvest for economic benefit within 15 years





Projects will focus on construction of soil erosion control structures including: Water and Sediment Control Basins (WaSCoBs), stabilization structures, grassed waterways, and constructed wetlands.

Who should apply?Producers who manage cropland where there are erosion issues that could be addressed with an erosion control structure.


3rd Edition EFP



Eligible activities and expenditures Ditch bank stabilization

Shoreline stabilization, bank shaping, revetment, gabions, riprap, crib walls, re-vegetation, erosion control blankets, bioengineering

Grade control structures (e.g., rock chute spillways, drop pipe inlet structures)

In-stream control structures to reduce velocity and erosive force of water, and provide fish habitat (e.g., pools and riffles, natural channel design)

Water and Sediment Control Basins (WaSCoBs)

Grassed waterways

Contour terraces

Gully stabilization

Constructed wetlands

Vegetative strips of perennial cover planted on the contour within annual crops

Upgrade or modifications of existing, eroded tile outlet structures – all structures must include rigid outlet pipe, rodent gate, proper rock protection with filter cloth underneath

Upgrade or modification of existing tile surface inlets to reduce sediment or phosphorus loss or enhance (increase) temporary ponding time, as well as decommissioning of inlets that are no longer functional or necessary

Tile surface inlet upgrades for the purpose of reducing sediment loss or enhancing ponding time

Infrastructure and development costs

Labour costs

Consulting and engineering fees



on page 13

Systematic tile and other subsurface drainage systems that are not an integral part of an erosion control structure

Converting open channels to closed drainage systems

Construction of new drainage channels or repair or maintenance of existing drainage systems (e.g., drainage ditch clean-outs, rehabilitating existing sediment-filled french drains)

Costs of tile and installation that exceed 30 metres for riparian drop inlet structure projects

Installation of drop inlets for drainage of ponded surface water not associated with an erosion control structure.

Header tile systems

Levelling of land or fields

Tile outlet structures associated with new tile drainage installations

Tile inlet upgrades for the purpose of increasing capacity for rapid flow

Retrieving topsoil from areas of deposition and transporting it upslope to eroded hillsides

Construction and land improvement activities not associated with soil erosion control

Applying the cost-share funding to projects initiated through the Drainage Act

Ongoing maintenance costs

Construction and land improvement activities not associated with soil erosion control


Erosion Control Structures


Erosion Control Structures (continued)



Aerial photograph showing problem area and overview of project (e.g., from AgMaps, Google maps)

Design plans showing contributing watershed and details of the erosion control structure to be built

Where applicable, for new construction of common

agricultural erosion control structures such as grassed waterways, contour terraces, WASCoBs, rock chutes or other grade control structures, must be designed in accordance with OMAFRA Publication 832

For more complex measures and those outside of the design scope of OMAFRA Publication 832, an engineered design may be required

Tillage and Nutrient Application Equipment ModificationsProjects will focus on supporting equipment modification for: no-till and strip-till; fertilizer and residue management; adjustment of new or existing equipment to reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss; or to increase soil health.

Who should apply?Producers who have not shifted to a strip-till or no-till system, who need residue management equipment and/or who need nutrient application equipment modifications.


3rd Edition EFP



Eligible activities and expenditures Fertilizer management options that work in high

residue or no-till situations

Equipment or components to enable banding, variable or controlled applications

Fertilizer carts, if used in conjunction with existing strip-till units

Companion tanks for nitrogen on a manure application system

Y-drop technology

Tillage and planting improvements that work in high residue or no-till situations

Strip-till units or components

No-till units or components

Equipment for the purpose of no-till planting

Equipment for the purpose of managing the planting of cover crops

Crop residue and soil health management improvements

Row cleaners

Roller crimpers

Trash whippers



on page 13

Reduced tillage equipment if previously used for any crops within rotation

Yield monitors

Annual services fees of any type

Upgrades to tractors, combines or spray equipment

Tires or tracks

Self-propelled equipment

Maintenance costs



Tillage and Nutrient Application Equipment Modifications (continued)

Warranties for equipment or components used to modify equipment

Any tillage equipment that is not strip-till or no-till

Vertical tillage

Any equipment or equipment customizations that do not support an increase in soil health or a decrease in nutrient loss



Other useful information Funding will be limited to the Medium Priority

funding level

Funding can be accessed only once for a single piece of equipment for the duration of the LEADS program


on page 13

Annual services fees of any type

Replacement of existing tires with the same technology or equivalent load carrying capacity

Replacing existing tires with a wider tire without new technology

Upgrades to tractors, combines, or spray equipment

Self-propelled equipment

Maintenance costs

Warranties for equipment or components used to modify equipment




funding level


Projects will focus on supporting equipment modification to reduce tire pressure to minimize soil compaction.

Who should apply?Producers who use heavy wagons, manure spreading equipment, etc. where modifications to tire pressure could reduce soil compaction.


3rd Edition EFP



Eligible activities and expenditures Inflation/deflation systems that reduce field tire

pressure to well below the level rated by the tire manufacturers for on road travel

New tires that have reduced operational tire pressure ratings compared to conventional bias or radial tires of the same size




Adding Organic Amendments to Soil

Amendments not of primarily plant or animal origins, such as gypsum, aglime, biochar, or liquid carbon

Compensation for products obtained free of charge (i.e., cost-share is dependent on the amount paid for amendments that is shown on the invoice)

Materials with a fertilizer or Canadian Food Inspection Agency designation

Repeat claims by the same farm business on the same field location

Maximum available cost-share per project$180 per acre



Analysis of the organic amendment (for all types of amendments) dated within one year of the date of application was submitted, that clearly shows the percent dry matter

Soil test for the field, showing phosphorus and organic matter levels

Projects will focus on the addition of solid organic amendments to improve the organic matter and nutrient levels of soil.

Who should apply?Producers with fields that have low organic matter or nutrient levels.


3rd Edition EFP

Have a soil test for the fields where the organic amendment is to be applied that includes the organic matter level and confirms that the soil contains no more than 20 ppm of phosphorus



Eligible activities and expenditures All invoiced costs for organic amendments including

purchase of the material, transportation, and custom application costs (where applicable)



on page 13

Costs of all applications involving liquid manure, biosolids or other organic amendments with less than 18 per cent dry matter. This includes any material that has a planned application method that includes transfer via pipes or hoses

Costs for fields without a demonstrated soil test value of 20 ppm or less of phosphorus

Applications planned outside the ideal time frame (July, August or September) for reduced phosphorus loss

Any costs for fields that have used organic amendments more than three times in the last five years

Amendments generated on a farm owned or rented by the same party that owns or rents the field where they will be applied

Important for All Applications

Those applying with a 3rd Edition EFP will be required to update to a 4th Edition EFP prior to submitting a claim and receiving final project payment.

The project being applied for must be identified as an action in the EFP, and effectively move a “1” or “2” rating to “3” or “4” (best) rating.



Surface inlet control valves, sentinel tiles, tile outlet markers, monitoring equipment to detect and prevent manure from moving into tile drains



on page 13

Equipment to move manure from storage to the field, including tanks, temporary edge-of-field storage, other pumps

Equipment used within the manure storage system

Manure delivery or drag hose systems

Complete units of manure application equipment (e.g., tankers and farm vehicles with tankers, box spreaders, etc.)

Separate pass cultivation unit or incorporation equipment (e.g., aeration tillage unit) that is not part of the one-pass injection unit

Custom application of manure

Tires

Transportation costs of exported manure or local haulage of manure

Harvested crop inputs




funding level


Projects will focus on supporting equipment modification to effectively and responsibly spread manure on land.

Who should apply?Producers who spread manure and require upgrades to do so efficiently and responsibly.


3rd Edition EFP



Eligible activities and expenditures Conversion of existing application equipment or the

specialized components of new equipment required to convert to a direct injection, below canopy, incorporation or pre-tillage methods

Hitched attachments, splash plate, injectors, injector opener (e.g., coulters)

Air pumps to facilitate proper emptying of manure pipe systems

Rate monitors, sensors, and flow meters on liquid manure equipment

Scales to weigh solid manure spreading equipment going to field

Spreader tank agitator to keep the solids in suspension

Modifications to make existing spreading units operate at lower rates as specified in the applicant’s Nutrient Management Plan (e.g., vertical beater systems)

Modifications to support variable rate nitrogen with manure application to achieve rate that meets crop phosphorus needs

Slurry or splash guards on box spreaders to prevent spillage

Remote shut-off devices for direct flow manure application systems



Frequently Asked QuestionsApproval Letter: An Approval Letter is sent from the OSCIA to successful applicants. The Approval Letter stipulates any requirements of cost-share funding that businesses must follow.

Arm’s Length: An entity is considered Arm’s Length if they are not related, not affiliated persons or otherwise controlled by another member or members. Refer to Section 251 of the Income Tax Act for the detailed statutory provision for determining Arm’s Length relationships. If you have any questions about whether a supplier meets this requirement, please contact: 1-800-265-9751.

BMP: Best Management Practice

BMP Description: Specific to a BMP under which cost-share funding is made available.

CCA: Certified Crop Advisor

CRA Business Number:: The CRA Business Number is a unique number the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) assigns your business as a tax ID. It is a nine-digit identifier that is used when dealing with federal, provincial or local governments.

Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN): All farm businesses in Ontario that gross $7,000 or more annually are required by law to register their farm business with Agricorp. More information on the FBRN and allowable exemptions is available from Agricorp.

Incurred (Cost): A cost for which a business has become liable.

Premises Identification Number (Premises ID): A Premises ID is a unique identifying number assigned to a parcel of land that is associated with agri-food activities. In Ontario, premises are identified and registered in the Provincial Premises Registry. For more information on applying for a Premises ID, go to ontariopid.com.

Requirements of Law: All applicable Requirements of Law, as may be set out in statutes, regulations, by-laws, codes, rules, ordinances, official plans, approvals, permits, licenses, authorizations, decrees, injunctions, orders and declarations, or any other similar Requirement of Law.

DefinitionsWhat if my business receives funding for the project from additional off-farm sources?An individual project can only receive a single allocation of cost-share funding from LEADS. Stacking of LEADS cost-share funding from one or more applicants towards the same project is not permitted, nor is stacking funding from other sources of CAP funding.

However, applicants may access more than one source of government funding to cover a single project, up to 100 per cent of eligible costs, as long as the other program(s) allows stacking.

All funding for a project, including from additional off-farm sources, excluding financing, must be listed on the Claim Form for the project.

Will someone visit my farm business to inspect the project? Projects that have received LEADS cost-share funding are routinely inspected. The decision to inspect may be based on project type, project value or any other criteria selected by OSCIA. Projects may also be inspected randomly.

Inspections are carried out after a claim is received and before the claim is paid. Biosecurity protocols are followed by all representatives of OSCIA.

Phot

o: W

arre

n Sc

hnec

kenb

urge

r, O

SCIA


• You have read, understand, and agree to abide by all requirements of CAP Cost-share Funding for Producers. This Guide sets out the Terms and Conditions for CAP Cost-share Funding for Producers, and the Project Category Descriptions.

• All information submitted on the application is true and complete, to the best of your knowledge, belief and understanding.

• All sources of funding for the proposed project, other than your own, have been disclosed in this application, including sources and amounts from federal, provincial and municipal governments, and such funds do not, and will, not exceed 100 per cent of total project costs.

• You do not currently owe any money to Ontario, or you have attached a description of the applicant’s debt to Ontario to this application.

• You are not, nor is any officer, director or employee of the applicant (if any) a current or former federal public office holder or federal public servant, or, if you, or any officer, director or employee of the applicant (if any) are a current or former federal public officer holder or federal public servant, you or that officer, director or employee of the applicant (if any) are in compliance with the Conflict of Interest Act, the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons, the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector and the Policy on Conflict of Interest and Post-employment, as applicable.

• You are not, nor is any officer, director or employee of the applicant (if any), a member of the House of Commons or of the Senate, or if you, or any officer, director or employee of the applicant (if any) are, you or the officer, director or employee of the applicant (if any) are permitted under the Parliament of Canada Act to receive funding from Canada under CAP.

You must further certify on the Application, that the applicant:• Shall retain all records relating to any payments made to the

applicant under CAP, including all invoices and proof of payment for at least seven (7) years from the date on which payment was received by the applicant.

• Shall consent to Ontario, Ontario’s program administrator (if any) or Canada publishing information about the project/activities funded including the amount of funding the applicant has been approved to receive and/or has received under CAP, the nature of any project/activities funded, along with the applicant’s name.

You must further acknowledge and accept that:• CAP is a discretionary, non-entitlement program and that you are not

entitled to funding merely as a consequence of having submitted an application. Payment is subject to Ontario receiving all the necessary appropriations from the Ontario Legislature, Ontario receiving all the necessary monies from Canada, eligible activities criteria, eligible expenses criteria, ineligible activities criteria, ineligible expenses criteria, and priorities and target audiences, as well as the applicant’s compliance with all terms and conditions of CAP.

• If it is determined that the applicant has received a payment the applicant was not eligible to receive, through administrative error or otherwise, the applicant will repay any and all payments that the applicant was not eligible to receive as well as any surplus funding.

• Any payments made to the applicant may be subject to recovery or offset against the applicant’s pre-existing debts to the Crown in Right of Ontario or Canada.

• Ontario, Ontario’s program administrator (if any) or Canada, including, their respective Ministers, directors, officers, agents, employees or representatives (as applicable) shall not be liable for any damage

or loss whatsoever, or howsoever arising, including damage or loss arising from any advice, opinions, representations, warranties or the provision of information under CAP.

• The information provided for CAP may be disclosed by Ontario or Ontario’s program administrator (if any) on behalf of Ontario to verify compliance with other provincial and federal funding initiatives administered by Ontario or another program administrator on behalf of Ontario or by Ontario in order to confirm the information provided, to verify eligibility and to ensure there is no duplication of funding.

• The information provided for CAP may be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Ontario), the Access to Information Act (Canada) or Privacy Act (Canada).

You must consent to the following on behalf of the applicant:• To provide accurate, timely and full information, including

supporting documentation, to Ontario or Ontario’s program administrator (if any) and will notify Ontario or Ontario’s program administrator (if any) immediately in the event that there are any changes to information provided.

• To provide Canada, Ontario and Ontario’s program administrator (if any), as well as their authorized representatives, with any information or access to a person, place or thing within ten (10) business days of any request, field verification or audit.

• To comply with onsite field inspections and/or audits by Ontario or Ontario program administrator (if any) upon notice, and during normal business hours, to verify eligibility, and to evaluate compliance with the requirements of CAP.

• To comply with reviews by Ontario of information related to other programs and initiatives delivered by, or for, Ontario in which the applicant is enrolled or has applied.

• The use of the applicant’s name and contact information by Ontario, Ontario’s program administrator (if any) and/or Canada to contact the applicant for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of CAP programming, or for any other similar purpose.

Interaction Between CAP and Ontario’s On-Farm Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reductions Program• The On-Farm GHG Reductions (OFGR) program is improving

knowledge and investing in activities that will improve agricultural soil health and reduce agricultural GHGs. The cost-share component of OFGR has the same eligibility requirements as CAP, and this guide is intended for both CAP and OFGR.

• I understand by applying for funding under CAP, I am also applying for funding under OFGR in relation to the following Project Categories: Tillage and Nutrient Application Equipment Modifications, Fragile Land Retirement, Riparian Buffer Strips, Windbreaks and Wind Strips, and Cover Crops, all of which are eligible for funding under OFGR. I further understand and agree my project, should it be approved, may receive funding under either CAP or from OFGR and the decision as to the source of funding is solely up to Ontario or Ontario’s initiative administrator.

• I further agree that all of my declarations and acknowledgements made in relation to CAP will be, and are, equally applicable to OFGR and that they are fully binding upon the applicant.

In the event of a conflict between anything set out in Guidebooks, Guidelines and the Minister’s Order, the Minister’s Order will prevail.

Errors and Omissions Excepted.

Application DeclarationIn order to apply, you must agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions of Canadian Agricultural Partnership (“CAP ”) Cost-share Funding for Producers.

The applicant must be a legal entity that is eligible under CAP Cost-share Funding for Producers. The individual who signs the application form must be a person who is authorized by the applicant to sign the form on behalf of the applicant and to bind the applicant to the contents therein. This person is referred to as “you” below.

You must certify on the Application that:

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) is a five-year commitment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments to encourage innovation, competitiveness and sustainability in Canada’s agriculture industry.

Version 1.0

Documents

Lake Erie Agriculture Demonstrating · or email [email protected]. Environmental Farm Plan Applicants must have a peer-reviewed 3rd Edition Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) or