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.

Under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) – Marginal Lands Initiative 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:

• Grassland Restoration
• Planting Trees and Shrubs
• Creating or Restoring Wetlands and Water Retention Ponds
• Creating Pollinator Habitat
• Establishing or Widening Riparian Buffers
• Creating Grassed Waterways
  
  

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

This project is funded by the Governments of Canada and Ontario under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year, federal-provincial-territorial 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. 

Grassland Stewardship Initiative Funding ApplicationThis link opens in a new window

Alternate Land Use Services

The Alternate Land Use Services (ALUS) Ontario East Program is an innovative, community-developed and farmer-delivered initiative that supports environmental stewardship on agricultural lands.

The program works with farmers to enhance and maintain ecosystem services on marginal, fragile, or less productive areas of farmland. Through voluntary projects, landowners can convert selected areas into natural features that benefit both their farming operations and the broader environment.

Examples of ALUS-supported projects include:

• Wetland restoration and enhancement

• Riparian buffers and erosion control

• Shelterbelts and windbreaks

• Native grasslands and pollinator habitat

• Livestock exclusion fencing and alternative watering systems

• Modified grazing practices and habitat improvements

Participating farmers receive annual payments for each acre enrolled in the program, recognizing the important role they play in providing ecological goods and services such as clean water, wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, and improved soil and air quality.

ALUS Ontario East operates within the Raisin–South Nation Source Protection Region and is administered locally by the Raisin Region Conservation Authority, with support from conservation partners including South Nation Conservation.

The program is voluntary and flexible, allowing projects to be designed to fit the unique needs of each farming operation while delivering environmental benefits to the community.

👉 Learn more about ALUS Ontario East and how to participate.