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Return of the Species At Risk Farm Incentive Program for 2015

May 22, 2015 - The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) has announced the newest round of cost-share funding through the 2015 Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program (SARFIP).

The 2015 iteration of this program will build on past years, and continue to support agricultural management practices that benefit species at risk in Ontario.

“As farmers, we are in a unique position to directly support species at risk through the management decisions we make,” says Alan Kruszel, President of OSCIA. “Not only do many of the eligible BMPs provide or protect habitat, some also promote sustainable farm practices that enhance farm viability."

To participate in this program, OSCIA says consulting the 2015 SARFIP brochure is the first step; included in the brochure are details of the eligible Best Management Practices, cost-share percentages, and individual project funding caps.

Applications are now being accepted, and funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.SARFIP 2015 is open to all agricultural landowners in the province, and offers tiered funding to provide enhanced support.

Improved farm management projects that support SAR are eligible for up to 50 per cent cost-share, to a maximum of $5,000. High impact projects that provide direct support to SAR are eligible for 60 per cent cost-share up to $10,000. For these high impact projects applicants interested in participating in SAR Watch, an advanced engagement and monitoring endeavour, are eligible for 80 per cent cost-share up to $20,000. SAR Watch participants commit to additional project engagement beyond the standards outlined in the program terms and conditions, including a SAR property assessment by a SAR specialist/biologist.

All applicants can access up to $20,000 in cumulative SARFIP cost-share for the 2015 season.

The success of SARFIP in past years can be attributed to the farmers that undertook projects, and who collectively enhanced habitat across Ontario.

“SARFIP works because Ontario’s farmers are making a commitment to improving our shared landscape,” says Andrew Graham, Executive Director of OSCIA.

For more information on eligibility criteria, the application process, and program deadlines, visit the SARFIP page on the OSCIA website at www.ontariosoilcrop.org/en/programs/species_at_risk.htm or contact OSCIA directly at 519-826-3035 or SARFIP@ontariosoilcrop.org.

May 22, 2015  By Top Crop Manager