Federal-provincial funding boost for marginal lands farming

Farmers Forum staff

TORONTO — The federal and Ontario governments announced up to $14.6 million through the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) targeting Eastern Ontario’s farm-dependent rural economies.

The funding, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, supports sustainable practices like cover cropping and wetland restoration on marginal lands to combat erosion and climate extremes.

Landowners can get funding for up to 90 per cent of project costs. The Raisin Region Conservation Authority is one of several Conservation Authorities delivering the project.

The Marginal Lands Initiative supports a variety of on-the-ground stewardship projects, including: Planting trees and shrubs to improve soil and water health; Establishing grasslands and pollinator-friendly habitats; Installing vegetated buffers and fencing to protect waterways; Restoring wetlands and creating water retention ponds.

Applicants don’t need to have all project details finalized to apply. Landowners can simply share property details, the area they hope to enhance or restore, and their goals or ideas. Conservation Authority staff will then work directly with farmers to deliver projects that meet requirements.

The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, representing 103 Eastern Ontario rural municipalities, hailed the Sept. 4 announcement as a “vital investment” for food security, with applications opening Sept. 26.

The RALP program called Marginal Lands Initiative is receiving an additional $9.6 million to help farmers create or enhance natural features such as wetlands or pollinator habitats on marginal agricultural lands. The program connects farmers to technical support and organizations that can make it easier for farmers who carry out large-scale environmental projects on their land, including carbon sequestering and reducing emissions.

Additionally, up to $5 million is being invested in the RALP Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative, delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), to help farmers access funding to plant grasslands and trees, reduce tillage and build water retention features. These improvements help farmers better withstand extreme weather, improve soil and water health and boost biodiversity.

Information and guidelines about the Marginal Lands Initiative are available on the Conservation Ontario website. A request for proposals submissions process to apply for funding support through this initiative opened on September 22, 2025.