Canada and Ontario Invest $14.6 Million to Support Farmers and Protect Farmland

Toronto, ON — The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $14.6 million to help farmers protect their lands and strengthen long-term sustainability in the face of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty.

The funding comes through the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP), a key part of the province’s Grow Ontario Strategy to support food security and agricultural competitiveness.

“We’re working with farmers in Ontario to help them take care of their soil, keep their water clean, and make their farms stronger in the face of environmental challenges,” said Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

“Ontario farmers are incredible, caring stewards of their lands,” added Trevor Jones, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “This investment will protect farmland, build resiliency, and help grow Ontario’s economy.”

Two Initiatives Driving the Investment

• Marginal Lands Initiative ($9.6 million): Delivered by Conservation Ontario, this program will help farmers enhance wetlands, pollinator habitats, and other natural features on marginal farmland, with added support for carbon sequestration and emission reductions.

• Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative (up to $5 million): Delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), this stream will help farmers plant grasslands and trees, reduce tillage, and build water retention features to improve soil and water health.

Supporting Farmers, Protecting the Land

RALP is part of the broader Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments. The program is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially, ensuring coordinated support for farmers across the country.

Local agricultural organizations welcomed the announcement.

• Dave Barton, Chair of Conservation Ontario and Mayor of Uxbridge, said the funding helps “farmers across the province take on environmental projects that support their farms and protect the land.”

• Kerry Wright, Executive Director of OSCIA, added that the funding ensures “Ontario farmers can make their agricultural lands more productive and resilient.”

Follow GTA Today on social media for more local news and updates. #GTAToday