Cover crop funding available across the Grand River watershed

This year, farmers across every municipality in the Grand River watershed are eligible to apply for cover crop incentives through funding from the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, a Government of Canada’s Department of Environment and Climate Change program in partnership with Conservation Ontario.

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has offered cover crop funding in the counties of Brant, Dufferin, Haldimand, Waterloo and Wellington for many years through municipally funded Rural Water Quality Programs (RWQP). Through this program, over 400 producers have received an incentive to introduce cover crops to more than 30,000 acres of land.

The benefits of cover crops are numerous: they can reduce erosion, hold nutrients, and improve soil health, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase carbon sequestration.

Many local farmers who have participated in GRCA incentive programs champion the benefits of cover crops, including Devon Elg, a Perth County cash crop producer.

“The Grand River Conservation Authority’s cover crop program has been nothing but positive. It helped with the cost of incorporating cover crops into my crop rotation and I’m happy that programs like this are available to producers who are making a conscious effort to protect resources,” says Mr. Elg. “The paperwork was easy to follow and fill out in order to apply for the funding and the GRCA staff have been great to work alongside as well.”

Thousands of farmers in the Grand River watershed are working to improve and protect water quality on their land. Learn more about their contributions featured on the GRCA’s website.

Applications for cover crop funding can be submitted now for payment in spring 2024. To receive a complete list of other grants and incentives available through the RWQP please visit www.grandriver.ca/ruralwater or contact the GRCA at 519-621-2761 x2242.

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Media Contacts:

Cam Linwood, GRCA Supervisor, Strategic Communications
Phone 519-621-2763 x2251  |  Email clinwood@grandriver.ca 

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Manager, Strategic Communications and Environmental Education
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca