Canadian Agricultural Partnership: Lake Erie Agriculture Demonstrating Sustainability (Leads)Declining water quality has been a significant concern in parts of Lake Erie. To support water quality improvements in Lake Erie, Ontario has committed to reduce phosphorus entering Lake Erie's western and central basins by 40 per cent by 2025. LEADS targeted programming under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership will build on the substantial leadership that Ontario producers in the Lake Erie watershed have demonstrated in taking action to improve soil health and water quality. Producers will work one-on-one with a Certified Crop Advisor, free of charge, to identify Best Management Practices (BMPs) tailored to the specific needs of their operation. By implementing BMPs recommended through the Farmland Health Check-Up, farmers can take action to respond to the greatest soil health and nutrient loss risks on their farms and make a difference to their bottom line and the health of Ontario's Great Lakes. LEADS will target the Lake Erie watershed to address the following government commitments:
Map of Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watersheds Lake Erie Agriculture Demonstrating Sustainability (Leads)LEADS funding will target producers in the Lake Erie watershed to respond to the greatest soil health and nutrient loss risks on their farms through the following opportunities:
Important InformationProducers located in the Lake Erie or Lake St. Clair watersheds are encouraged to apply for LEADS funding. Application intake will open on the first business day in April 2018 and will remain open until funding is fully allocated. Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received. The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association will administer LEADS. Merit-based Cost-Share FundingApplications will be assessed with the information provided by a Certified Crop Advisor using the Farmland Health Check-Up (FHCU) risk assessment tool. Approved projects will receive cost-share funding between 45 and 65 per cent in proportion to the level of risk identified in the applicant's Farmland Health Check-Up. Eligibility Requirements
Lake Erie Agriculture Demonstrating Sustainability Project Categories that Target Water Quality and Soil Health Improvements
For more information: Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300 Web: www.ontario.ca/AgPartnership
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