Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program

Shelterbelt and Windbreaks

Funding is available to establish and maintain shelterbelt planting around farmyards, livestock facilities, along with establishing windbreaks and fields of annual croplands.

Rates

Largestock

  • 50%
  • Maximum = $6,000 (*up to $50 max/hardwood and $30 max/evergreen)

Seedling

  • 80%
  • Maximum = $6,000

Funding can be stacked with other funding programs up to 100%, if the other program allows for stacking. (Applicants must inform UTRCA of additional funding).

Requirements

  • Field(s) must be in the Upper Thames watershed
  • Applicants must have a verified 4th or 5th edition Environmental Farm Plan, or working towards the completion of an updated EFP within the timeline of project.
  • Applicants must have a Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) or provide proof that the land is assessed as "farmland" as per Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). The definition can be found at听).听听
  • Applicants must be willing to enter into a signed Land Use Agreement with UTRCA, committing the farm business to听maintaining听the project for a period of 15听years.听
  • Appropriate native species are to be used for projects. Non-native species (Norway Spruce, European Larch, etc.) must be approved by UTRCA Forestry staff. Invasive species are not eligible.听
  • If听not working directly with UTRCA staff,听a planting plan听will听be听required听to specify听species, planting density, location, site听preparation听and maintenance.听
  • Minimum of 50 large stock or 300 seedlings must be used for planting听

Eligible Costs

  • Trees (seedling, largestock) and shrubs
  • Tree protection (rodent guards)
  • Cover crop establishment ahead of planting
  • Contracted labour and planting costs
  • Site preparation and maintenance (chemical, mulch)
  • Professional design fees for completed project

Ineligible Costs

  • Commercial stock, fruit trees or Christmas tree species that are intended for commercial resale
  • Farmstead landscaping
  • Purchase of equipment
  • Planting of invasive species
  • Grant will not be paid on HST if the applicant is entitled to a HST rebate
  • Invoices not issued in the applications name or farm business

Grants under this program may not be combined with other initiatives that claim carbon credits. Projects funded through the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program will not be entitled to carbon credits/greenhouse gas (GHG) offsets for the 10-year period of the agreement, after which, applicants may be eligible for Federal and Provincial GHG offset systems, as applicable.

Contact

Tatianna Lozier, Acting Manager, Integrated Watershed Management

[email protected]

519-451-2800 ext. 233