The Federal announcement on Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) and the Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program was welcomed in the farm community. Funding varies between 30 and 50% of the cost with maximum funding caps for each project and with a maximum $30,000 for each registered farm business. Projects must be on the approved list of beneficial management practices.

The cost share program may be retroactive for eligible projects that have been developed later than April 1st, 2004 by producers who have an EFP, peer reviewed and deemed appropriate plan listing the work they want to do, completed between 1993 and 2004.

Applications received after March 31, 2006 will require the "Third Edition EFP" be done and deemed appropriate. The whole program runs until March 31, 2008.

Projects under more than 25 different categories may be eligible for funding through the COFSP. A full list is available from Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. Projects contributing to improvements in water, soil, air or biodiversity are eligible, including: Improved Manure Storage and Handling, Treatment and Land Application; Farmyard Runoff Control; Water Well Management, Erosion Control Structures; Land Management for Soils at Risk; Improved Cropping Systems; Improved Pest Management; Irrigation Management; Invasive Alien Plant Species Control; Enhancing Wildlife Habitat and Biodiversity, Species at Risk; Preventing Wildlife Damage and Nutrient Management Planning are some of the areas that could be eligible for funding.

Information on the programs is available from OSCIA at 519-826-4214, or visit the web site at: www.ontariosoilcrop.org/EFP/EFP.htm.

For information regarding upcoming workshops for the Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan and Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program, contact your OSCIA Program Representative:

Renfrew - Glen Smith (613) 628-2987

Frontenac, Lennox & Addington - John Wise (613) 378-2583

Leeds - Rita Vogel (613) 275-2956

Carleton, Dundas, Grenville, Lanark - Arlene Ross (613) 821-3900

Stormont - Barbara-Ann Glaude (613) 984-2398

Glengarry - Lyall MacLachlan (613) 347-2244

Prescott, Russell - Micheline Begin (613) 679-8867