Certain OSCIA cost-share funding programs 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 programs page HERE
Resources on cost-share BMPs and related research can be found on the OSCIA Resource Hub HERE
Information on preparing a letter of support is available HERE
Current Programs
On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)
Overview: The OFCAF program provides cost-share funding to farmers to support the implementation of BMPs to tackle climate change through reducing emissions of GHGs and supporting increased carbon sequestration. The core BMPs included are Cover Cropping, Nitrogen Management, and Rotational Grazing.
CCA Involvement: Applicants require a LOS 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.
Program Guide: View HERE
Contact: ofcaf@ontariosoilcrop.org
Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP)
Overview: As part of the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative, RALP provides funding to support Ontario farmers in making their agricultural lands more productive and resilient. The Program provides funding to support projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon. Included projects 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 templated provided by OSCIA. Links to the template for each BMP can be found in the Letter of Support document (page 3) HERE
Compensation: Qualified experts receive $200 compensation per completed letter, contingent upon filling out all required data fields.
Program Guide: View HERE
Contact: scap@ontariosoilcrop.org
Farmland Health Check-Up (FHCU)
Overview: While not a cost-share program, completion of a FHCU is a requirement of some cost-share programs, like the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI). In partnership with Ontario CCAs and Professional Agrologists (P.Ag), the Farmland Health Check-Up is an opportunity for producers to assess risks to on-farm soil health and water quality.
The FHCU is now available to producers province-wide.
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.
Program Details: View HERE
Contact: fhcu@ontariosoilcrop.org
