Toronto — The federal and Ontario governments are jointly investing up to $14.6 million to help farmers strengthen their lands against environmental pressures and global market uncertainty, officials announced Wednesday.
The funding, channelled through the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP), is intended to provide farmers with resources to improve soil health, conserve water, and build resilience against shifting trade and climate realities. The initiative is also aligned with Ontario’s Grow Ontario Strategy, a provincial plan aimed at safeguarding food production and supporting rural economies in the face of tariffs and cross-border trade tensions.
Federal and Provincial Support
Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said the measures are part of a broader effort to shore up Canada’s food system and shield Ontario farmers from external risks.
“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,” MacDonald said. “By supporting natural infrastructure and sustainable practices, we’re helping to protect our farmlands and strengthen Canada’s food system.”
Ontario Agriculture Minister Trevor Jones highlighted the role farmers play as stewards of the land, pointing to their efforts to improve productivity despite unpredictable economic and environmental conditions.
“Ontario farmers are incredible, caring stewards of their lands, who work hard to make them more productive and resilient – even as they face challenges out of their control,” Jones said. “Our government is proud to support them with investments that protect farmland, build a resilient agricultural sector and help grow Ontario’s economy.”
Program Details
Of the total investment, $9.6 million will go toward the RALP Marginal Lands Initiative, delivered by Conservation Ontario. The program encourages farmers to create or enhance natural features such as wetlands, pollinator habitats, and other projects that reduce emissions and sequester carbon. Farmers will also receive access to technical expertise and organizational support to carry out larger-scale environmental improvements.
Another $5 million is earmarked for the RALP Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative, overseen by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA). The initiative provides cost-shared funding for practical on-farm improvements including planting grasslands and trees, adopting reduced tillage, and building water retention systems. These measures are designed to help farmers withstand extreme weather, enhance biodiversity, and ensure the long-term health of soil and water resources.
Dave Barton, chair of Conservation Ontario and mayor of Uxbridge, said the partnership highlights the importance of working with local farmers on environmental projects.
“Conservation Ontario is proud to work with the Province of Ontario and local partners on this project,” Barton said. “Together, we’re helping farmers across the province take on environmental projects that support their farms and protect the land—both important for Ontario’s future and economy.”
Kerry Wright, executive director of OSCIA, added that the initiative fits directly with the association’s mission.
“RALP is an opportunity for Ontario farmers to support their continuous investment in the long-term health of their land,” Wright said. “Our mission is to facilitate responsible economic management of soil, water, air and crops. This aligns with the delivery of RALP funding as another way we help farmers make their agricultural lands more productive and resilient.”
Broader Agricultural Strategy
The RALP is one component of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year, $3.5-billion framework that runs until 2028. Jointly funded by federal, provincial, and territorial governments, the partnership supports competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency across Canada’s agri-food sector. Funding commitments include $1 billion from Ottawa and $2.5 billion in cost-shared programs with provinces and territories.
In Ontario alone, RALP is expected to deliver up to $56.7 million in funding over the life of the Sustainable CAP. Additional streams include the Community Pastures Initiative, run by the Ontario Forage Council, which focuses on improving grazing fields for livestock farmers.
Farmers seeking more information on program guidelines can consult the Conservation Ontario website for Marginal Lands Initiative details or contact the OSCIA for project-specific funding opportunities.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness has also set up a dedicated Agricultural Information Contact Centre to answer inquiries.
Looking Ahead
The announcement comes at a time when Canadian farmers are facing heightened pressures from volatile trade relations, particularly with the United States, alongside increasing climate-related risks. The investment, government officials say, is designed to help producers not only weather these challenges but also position Ontario’s agricultural industry for long-term growth.
By combining federal and provincial resources, the program aims to create measurable improvements on farms across the province—whether through enhanced biodiversity, carbon storage, or simply giving farmers better tools to adapt to changing conditions.
For many in the sector, the support signals recognition of both the risks facing Ontario agriculture and the vital role farmers play in the province’s economy and food security.
