Certain cost-share funding programs delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) require a Letter of Support (LOS) from a qualified professional (Certified Crop Advisor or Professional Agrologist) in good standing. OSCIA analysts use the LOS to assess a project’s quality, viability, and impact. It represents the advisor putting their professional accreditation behind the project.
To learn about available cost-share programs, visit the OSCIA cost-share programs page HERE
Resources on cost-share best management practices (BMPs) and related research can be found on the OSCIA Resource Hub HERE
Information on preparing a letter of support (LOS) is available HERE
Current Programs
On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)
*Not Accepting Applications*
Overview: The OFCAF program provides cost-share funding to farmers to support the implementation of BMPs to tackle climate change through reducing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and supporting increased carbon sequestration. The core BMPs included are Cover Cropping, Nitrogen Management, and Rotational Grazing.
CCA Involvement: Applicants require a LOS to be submitted with their application. The LOS acts as a professional recommendation for a specific activity or practice. The LOS must detail the proposed activity (rates, timing, locations, products, crops, etc.) based on minimum guidelines for each core BMP. Major deviations from industry standards require extra justification.
Compensation: Eligible program costs include costs related to services provided by professional agrologists, agronomists, or CCAs.
View OFCAF Program Guide: HERE
Contact: ofcaf@ontariosoilcrop.org
Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP)
*Not Accepting Applications*
Overview: As part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), RALP provides funding to support Ontario farmers in making their agricultural lands more productive and resilient. The program provides funding support for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon. Including projects that focus on natural grassland establishment, perennial biomass crops, perennial warm season pastures, reduced tillage, tree and shrub planting, water retention features, and wetlands.
CCA Involvement: Advisors must complete a LOS using the template provided by OSCIA. The template can be found within the ‘Documentation Required’ section in the program guide for each individual category.
Compensation: Qualified experts can receive $200 compensation per completed letter, contingent upon filling out all required data fields.
View RALP Program Guide: HERE
Contact: scap@ontariosoilcrop.org
Farmland Health Check-Up (FHCU)
*Accepting Applications*
Overview: While not a cost-share program itself, producers may use a completed FHCU within other cost-share programs, like the Sustainable CAP’s Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI) to leverage additional cost-share dollars (if eligibility is met). In partnership with Ontario CCAs and Professional Agrologists (P.Ag), the Farmland Health Check-Up is an opportunity for producers across Ontario to assess risks to on-farm soil health and water quality.
The FHCU is available to producers, province-wide year-round.
CCA Involvement: CCA’s interested in delivering the Farmland Health Check-Up must complete the step HERE to become certified to deliver the program.
Compensation: Advisors are entitled to a $600 flat rate for each completed Farmland Health Check-Up.
View FHCU Program Details: HERE
Contact: fhcu@ontariosoilcrop.org
