Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program - Tree and Shrub Planting

Overview of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program - Tree and Shrub Planting program:

Tree and shrub plantings result in more resilient agricultural landscapes with an increased ability to sequester carbon, reduce soil erosion, and provide many other ecological and water quality benefits. To learn more about the benefits of trees on agricultural lands,

Benefits of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program - Tree and Shrub Planting program:

• Funding is available under RALP at a per-acre rate for completing the approved resilient agricultural landscape project. Two rates are available, depending on the nature of the proposed project:
• Rate 1: $1,000/acre for rejuvenation of existing windbreak, shelterbelt, or riparian buffer plantings to increased density and reduce erosion risks
• Rate 2: $3,000/acre for establishing new tree and/or shrub riparian buffers, windbreaks, shelterbelts, or block plantings
• Applicants may submit up to two (2) active applications across all project categories at any given time in the intake. The maximum RALP funding allocation for a single project is $150,000.

Eligibility criteria of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program - Tree and Shrub Planting program:

• Farm businesses in Ontario can qualify by meeting one of the following criteria:
• Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN)
• Provide a valid FBRN.
• Religious Exemption
• Submit a Religious Exemption Letter from the OMAFRA Appeal Tribunal with your application.
• Cultural Exemption
• Provide a Cultural Exemption Letter from the First Nations Agriculture Finance Ontario (FNAFO), verifying that the farm operates in a First Nations community. Include this with your application.
• Income Exemption
• Submit documentation for an income exemption from the Farm Property Class Tax Rate Program. This could be due to:
  • Start-up farm businesses
  • Business structure changes
  • An abnormal production year
  • Age, illness, or death of a spouse
• Additional Requirements:
• Environmental Farm Plan
• Have a verified 4th Edition Environmental Farm Plan.
• Land Use Agreement
• Be willing to sign a Land Use Agreement with OSCIA, committing to maintain the proposed practice on the specified acres for the timeline defined in the agreement.
• Legal Compliance
• Comply with all legal requirements and maintain compliance throughout the project.
• Eligible Lands for the Project:
• Privately Owned Farmland
• Includes all managed lands for agricultural production (e.g., crop land, grazing, orchards), as well as wetlands, woodlots, and yard sites associated with farming operations.
• Rented Land
• Land rented for agricultural production from a third party.
• Crown Land
• Federal, Provincial, Municipal, or Territorial Crown Land leased for agricultural practices.
• Indigenous Lands
• Lands managed for agricultural production in Indigenous communities.
• Ensure all necessary documentation is provided with your application to be considered for funding.