New grant program for farmers in upper Nith River subwatershed

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is pleased to announce a new grant program undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change Great Lakes Protection Initiative for agricultural producers in the upper Nith River subwatershed. These grants and incentives are available for farmers interested in trying out new Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) or implementing projects to manage phosphorus losses from their land.

This one-year program is targeted toward the Nith River subwatershed upstream of New Hamburg; an area of clay plain which is prone to erosion. The program brings cost share funding to parts of Perth County and builds on the funding available from the Rural Water Quality Programs in Waterloo Region and Wellington County.

The grants and incentives are designed to offset the cost of trying new practices such as cover crops, no-till or reduced-till planting, soil testing, crop nutrient plans, and alternative phosphorus application techniques. Tree planting projects, watercourse fencing, and erosion control structures may also be eligible for funding.

“This program is a win-win for producers and downstream water users” says Anne Loeffler, GRCA Conservation Specialist “These practices have been shown to help keep soil and nutrients on the land where they are a valuable crop resource. At the same time, these BMPs protect water quality for the drinking water intakes downstream and support Lake Erie phosphorus reduction initiatives”. 

Producers in the upper Nith River subwatershed are encouraged to contact the GRCA now to apply for funding. Grants and incentive payments will be available beginning in April 2021. The program ends in March 2022.

For more information, contact the GRCA at ruralwater@grandriver.ca or call 519-621-2761 and ask to speak to a Conservation Specialist.

To learn more about the broad range of services and grants that are available through the GRCA, visit www.grandriver.ca/ruralwater.

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Media contacts:

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

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Manager of Communications
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca