The Grand River Conservation Authority has a new round of federal-government funding for farmers in the upper reaches of Nith River watershed near New Hamburg.
The federal Department of Environment and Climate Change has funds in its Great Lakes Protection Initiative for agricultural producers.
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 to a clay soil plain north of New Hamburg because it 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.
Among eligible practices are 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.
“This program is a win-win for producers and downstream water users” said Anne Loeffler, GRCA Conservation Specialist.
She said the projects not only help farmers, but also help to preserve water quality.
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.
