Accepting applications for spring 2026 projects, including soil testing, manure management and subsurface P placement!
Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program
The Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program is a new four-year program that offers incentives for cover crops, reducing tillage, 4R practices, manure management, as well as cost-share rates for a variety of practices.
Program Status and Application Windows:
- We are currently accepting applications for 4R Phosphorus Management categories happening this spring. This includes incentives of up to $15/acre for soil testing and crop fertility planning, $20/acre for subsurface P placement, and $50/acre for manure management.
- We are accepting applications for cost-sharing opportunities (i.e. erosion control, clean water diversion, tree planting) remain open for applications.
The application window for cover crops and reduced tillage has closed. We will relaunch these categories and begin accepting new applications in June. Stay tuned for updates.
Explore the categories below and click ‘Learn More’ to read the full guidelines and access the application forms.
Category Overview
Residue Cover
Eligible Projects
Rate
Limits
Guidelines
Residue cover projects cannot be stacked with other programs. Incentives for reduced tillage and cover crops cannot be combined on the same field. However, a $10/acre bonus is available if cover crops provide 80% residue cover over winter and the spring crop is planted using no-till or strip-till.
4R Phosphorus Management
New Basic Requirement A Crop Fertility Plan is required for any field enrolled in a 4R Phosphorus Management category. Funding is available to update or create new plans. Existing plans can also be used if they meet the minimum criteria for a plan.
Eligible Projects
Rate
Limits
Guidelines
Manure Sampling
100%
$500
email Chris Van Esbroeck
Stacking Incentives
- Crop Fertility Planning can be combined with any category.
- Residue cover and 4R management categories can be combined on the same field.
- Subsurface P placement cannot be combined with manure management on the same field.
- Crop Fertility Planning can be combined with Manure Management or Subsurface P Placement.
Cost Sharing Opportunities
Eligible Projects
Rate
Limits
Guidelines
Application and Review Process
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Review Project Guidelines
Submit an application
UTRCA will review, and follow up with you
Implement your project
Submit the Expense Claim Form, and provide documentation
UTRCA inspects the final project
Payment is issued
Participation and Data Sharing
By applying, you consent to UTRCA collecting, managing, and sharing project cost and crop management data with public and government partners to support watershed environmental goals. Data will be shared only in aggregate form, without business or personal identifiers.听
By participating, you acknowledge that UTRCA may collect photos and videos for social media or print use. You also agree to project inspections during normal business hours with reasonable notice.听
Important Notes
UTRCA Watershed Map
Before applying, ensure your project is within the Upper Thames River watershed.
Funding Limits
The maximum amount of funding that a farm business can receive over the course of the program is $75,000
Prioritization
All projects within the UTRCA watershed are eligible. Priority will be given to:
- Projects in designated subwatersheds and areas prone to erosion
- Practices that are new to your operation
- Projects in the Subsurface Placement Category: Preference will be given to no-till and strip-till systems
Those with projects outside of priority areas and those implementing their usual practices are also welcome to apply. These applications may go on a waitlist, depending on funding availability.
Additional Criteria
- Applicants must be an Ontario resident
- Projects must meet all municipal, provincial, and federal regulations
- The applicant is responsible for obtaining all necessary approvals and permits
Contact
鈥婽his program is funded by the Canada Water Agency.