Agricultural Stewardship

Farmers play a vital role in the health and sustainability of our watershed, and South Nation Conservation (SNC) recognizes them as key partners in protecting our environment.

Through Agricultural Stewardship programs, SNC provides funding and resources from a variety of sources to help farmers implement projects that improve water quality, enhance soil health, and promote sustainable land management practices. These projects can include cover crops, nutrient management, buffer strips, wetlands restoration, and other initiatives that benefit both farm operations and the broader community.

By working closely with farmers, SNC ensures that local expertise and stewardship drive real environmental improvements, supporting thriving agricultural lands while protecting the natural resources that sustain us all.

Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP)

Under the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative, the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) offers financial support to help Ontario farmers enhance the productivity and resilience of their farmland. The program funds projects aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration. Eligible projects include:

Establishing Natural Grasslands
Planting Perennial Biomass Crops
Developing Perennial Warm-Season Pastures
Implementing Reduced Tillage Practices
Planting Trees and Shrubs
Installing Water Retention Features
Creating or Restoring Wetlands

Marginal Lands Initiative

Supporting Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Stewardship in Eastern Ontario

South Nation Conservation (SNC), on behalf of the Eastern Ontario Farm Stewardship Collaborative, is proud to deliver the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) - Marginal Lands Initiative, over a three-year period (2025–2027).

This initiative supports the development, outreach, and implementation of projects that provide lasting environmental benefits on agricultural lands.

Program Overview

The RALP offers cost-share funding opportunities for farmers and rural landowners to implement on-the-ground projects that improve natural features, sequester carbon, and enhance ecosystem services.

Projects will focus on:

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Supporting carbon sequestration
Improving water quality and soil health
Enhancing biodiversity and habitat

For more information visit www.eofsc.caThis link opens in a new window or to apply, complete this form.This link opens in a new window

Implementing Reduced Tillage Practices
Planting Trees and Shrubs
Installing Water Retention Features
Creating or Restoring Wetlands

Grassland Stewardship Initiative

South Nation Conservation (SNC) is delivering a new program on behalf of Grasslands Ontario, in partnership with ALUS Ontario EastThis link opens in a new window; an innovative community-developed and farmer-delivered program that produces, enhances and maintains ecosystem services on agricultural lands operating within the Raisin RegionThis link opens in a new window and South Nation Conservation Authorities’ watersheds.

The Grassland Stewardship Initiative (GSI) is a habitat restoration initiative implemented by Grasslands OntarioThis link opens in a new window, a division of Forests CanadaThis link opens in a new window, aimed at supporting the conservation and recovery of Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark populations through the management and protection of high-quality grassland habitat in the Province.

Grasslands provide critical habitat for species at risk birds such as Upland Sandpipers, Short-Eared Owls, and Kingbirds. They also foster pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control.

Grasslands Ontario will provide between 35-100 percent of eligible project costs to create, enhance, or maintain grasslands on your property. Eligibility is based on proximity to core breeding ranges for Bobolink and/or Eastern Meadowlark, recent sightings, and the ability to dedicate 4ha or more of land that is not owned by Provincial or Federal government agencies to grasslands and/or bird friendly hay cropping. Private and public land including Conservation Authority lands will be considered.

Landowners who don't meet eligibility requirements for the GSI should reach out to ALUS Ontario EastThis link opens in a new window, which helps farmers with projects such as wetland restoration and enhancement, riparian buffers, shelterbelts, afforestation and native prairie grass restoration provide cleaner water and air, habitat, carbon sequestration and climate resiliency.

For more information, call SNC: 613-984-2948 or toll free: 1-877-984-2948. Email: info@nation.on.ca.