Canada and Ontario Launch New $3M Investment to Boost Farm Energy Efficiency Third intake of Agricultural Stewardship Initiative opens August 13 for Ontario farmers
TORONTO – Ontario farmers will soon get another financial boost as the governments of Canada and Ontario announce up to $3 million in new support for energy efficiency upgrades through the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI).
The third round of ASI funding, part of the broader Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, opens on August 13, 2025, and offers eligible farmers grants ranging from $10,000 to $90,000. These funds are intended to help modernize on-farm energy systems—from ventilation and lighting to geothermal heating and grain drying—reducing operational costs and improving sustainability in the face of growing economic pressures, including U.S. tariffs.
Canada & Ontario are investing an additional $3M in the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative to support farmers with sustainability & productivity. Visit https://t.co/NWDs99NnEN to apply.#SustainableCdnAg #OntAg pic.twitter.com/Ben5PXiyh8
— Ontario Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (@AgricultureON) July 8, 2025
The initiative will be delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) and builds on more than 870 energy efficiency projects already supported since 2023, totaling $12.5 million in past investments. This new intake raises the program’s total to $15.5 million, according to Ontario Agriculture Minister Trevor Jones.
“The Agricultural Stewardship Initiative is helping our farmers make their businesses more efficient and boosting the long-term competitiveness of the sector to withstand the current economic uncertainty and whatever else comes our way,” said Trevor Jones, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “With this third round of funding, up to $15.5 million of total investments will help hundreds of farming businesses across Ontario continue to grow and thrive.”
The announcement comes as part of both levels of government’s broader strategy to protect Ontario’s food system and support the resiliency of Canadian agriculture.
Applications Open August 13
Eligible farmers will be able to apply for funding between August 13 and September 3, 2025, by submitting proposals through OSCIA. The focus is on upgrading outdated energy systems and supporting low-emission technologies.
“The opportunities offered under the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative will support producers in understanding how much energy is used on their farms, and in implementing energy efficiency improvements that can reduce electrical and fossil fuel use and the rising costs of agricultural production,” said Eleanor Renaud, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) President. “The initiative’s objectives align with OSCIA’s mission to support farmers with knowledge, programs and community to facilitate responsible economic management of soil, water, air and crops through development and communication of innovative farming practices. OSCIA is pleased to deliver this opportunity to Ontario farmers.”
Ontario’s agri-food sector continues to be a major contributor to the province’s economy, employing hundreds of thousands of workers and exporting billions in food products annually. Programs like the ASI aim to safeguard that prosperity by investing in modern and efficient agricultural practices.
For more information on eligibility and application details, visit www.ontariosoilcrop.org.
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