June 14, 2021

Local farmer Mike MacGillivray (right) showing RRCA Stewardship Specialist, Brendan Jacobs, some of the best management practices he has implemented on his land in North Glengarry.

Farmers looking for advice on establishing best management practices (BMPs) on their land can now apply to the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) for funding under their Agri-Action Advisory Service.

The RRCA’s Agri-Action Advisory Service is supported by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year federal-provincial-territorial initiative, and by ALUS Canada, a community developed, farmer-led program that works with farmers to produce valuable ecological services on Canadian farmland. A steering committee consisting of local farmers and agriculture specialists was formed to guide the initiative. 

“The Agri-Action Advisory Service was initiated to connect industry experts with farmers who are interested in establishing select best management practices on their farm but are not sure where to start. The program advisors will meet with the farmers, discuss options specific to their farm, and identify potential funding opportunities to implement their projects,” says Jessica Herrington, RRCA Stewardship Coordinator.

Eligible advisory services include in-field or bank erosion control, drainage and wetland integration, planting of hedgerows, windbreaks and buffers, grassed waterways, nutrient management planning, soil sampling, cover crops, soil health improvement, and the use of various agronomic tools such as the newly available Farmland Health Check-Up.

“Best management practices can improve farmland sustainability by improving soil health, reducing erosion, and retaining valuable nutrients. This not only provides on-farm benefits such as increased average yields, but also improves the health of the local watershed,” adds Herrington.

Farmers with a registered farm number within the RRCA’s jurisdiction can download an application form from the RRCA’s website at rrca.on.ca/bmp. Completed forms can be submitted by email to Jessica.Herrington@rrca.on.ca.

Approved farmers will be able to select their preferred industry expert from an available list, coordinate an on-farm advisory visit, and be reimbursed for the expense. A maximum funding amount per farm will apply. 

Applications will be considered and evaluated by the steering committee on a first-come, first served-basis. Only costs associated with advisory services are eligible for funding under this program. Project implementation and material costs may be eligible through other programs, such as ALUS. 

The application deadline is June 30, 2021, or until funding runs out. 

The RRCA is one of Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities, working to protect and restore the local environment, protect people and property from natural hazards, and support sustainable development activities throughout its watershed jurisdiction in Eastern Ontario. 

For more information visit rrca.on.ca/BMP or contact (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.