Canada and Ontario to Protect Farmers and Strengthen the Agri-Food Sector

New funding will provide farmers with the tools they need to stay competitive and resilient in the global market

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing an additional $12 million through the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI) to help farmers adopt practical improvements that increase efficiency, reduce costs and build long-term resilience. This initiative delivers on the government’s plan to protect Ontario’s farmers and agri-food sector by making strategic investments in cutting-edge solutions needed to support modern farming and help the sector remain resilient and competitive in the global marketplace.

“Farmers are constantly seeking innovative approaches to caring for their land and improving energy efficiency,” said the Honourable Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This funding will help more Ontario farmers adopt best management practices and cleaner technologies that cut input costs, strengthen sustainability and support Ontario’s food independence.”

Funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, this initiative provides successful applicants with funding between $6,000 to $90,000 for projects that support soil health, water quality and energy efficiency improvements, including replacing inefficient on-farm technologies, installing geothermal heating and adopting high-efficiency motor, ventilation, heating, cooling, refrigeration, grain drying and lighting systems. This latest investment represents the fourth intake of the program and builds on the $15.5 million already invested to support approximately 1,000 projects across Ontario since 2023.

“Ontario farmers are leaders in producing safe, high-quality food that families rely on every day,” said Trevor Jones, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “This investment will help farmers strengthen the sustainability and competitiveness of their operations, reduce costs and build resilience for the future. As part of our plan to protect Ontario, we are making strategic investments that help keep our agri-food sector strong, competitive and ready to meet the challenges of a changing world.”

The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) will continue delivering the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative through the fourth intake, which opens for applications on July 8, 2026. Program details, eligibility requirements and application guidance are available through the OSCIA website.

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment for cost-shared programs delivered by provinces and territories.

Quick Facts

• Since 2023, the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative has supported approximately 1,000 projects that help Ontario farmers improve efficiency, productivity and environmental stewardship.
• Eligible farmers may submit up to two applications per intake through the OSCIA with the required and verified complete Environmental Farm Plan (EFP).
• Farmers in the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watersheds are encouraged to complete a Farmland Health Check-Up with a participating specialist to identify risks, which may qualify them for increased cost-share funding under select project categories.
• The Agricultural Stewardship Initiative supports the province’s Grow Ontario Strategy, helping farmers and agri-businesses remain competitive, resilient, and positioned for long-term growth.