Under Ontario’s On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF), cost-share funding supports farmers in adopting best management practices (BMPs) that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and store carbon, specifically for in-field nitrogen management, expanding cover cropping, and implementing rotational grazing systems. BMP demonstration, peer-to-peer learning, and access to expert advice play a key role in farmers’ long-term adoption of new practices. The OFCAF pairs cost-share support for BMPs with participation in Knowledge Sharing Events (KSEs), which aim to increase understanding of the eligible BMPs. Farmers must attend a KSE to receive a cost-share payment for completing a project.
Cost-share support is available to support third party delivery to develop, administer and deliver Knowledge Sharing Events (KSEs) to educate farmers in the successful implementation and long-term adoption of all eligible BMP areas.A KSE is a networking opportunity where producers benefit from the latest research, first-hand experience from their peers and industry experts, and access to information networks or resources supporting long-term implementation of BMPs specific to addressing climate change challenges.
A KSE can be in many different formats, including field demonstration events, webinars, workshops, or sessions at agricultural conferences. KSEs may be hosted by any agricultural association, organization, or agri-business, provided the event meets the objectives of the OFCAF. Participation in a KSE is a requirement for approved applicants to claim their cost-share funding.
A KSE must address at least one of the three eligible project categories with a focus on successful implementation of the practice (i.e., Nitrogen Management, Cover Cropping, Rotational Grazing Systems).
Required Participation in a KSE for Approved OFCAF Applicants
Applicants must participate in a minimum of one (1) OSCIA-approved KSE that aligns with their project category, within the eligible Project Start and Completion dates for their approved OFCAF application, , before submitting a claim for cost-share. Costs associated with attending the KSE (e.g., registration, mileage, travel, etc.) are not eligible for cost-share.
Where do I find the listing of approved KSEs?
This listing of approved KSEs is continuously updated, with new events being added throughout the year. Each project category has its own listing, as not every approved KSE applies to all categories (i.e., Nitrogen Management, Cover Cropping, Rotational Grazing Systems). OSCIA provides an events listing only – you must click on an event to confirm dates, times, location and registration requirements.
How do OFCAF-approved applicants confirm participation at an event?
There are two types of participation forms available at a KSE to confirm an applicant’s participation. An applicant can complete a Knowledge Sharing Event Participation Form, where the event organizer or OSCIA staff will be on site to sign the form confirming participation. The form must be submitted to OSCIA either through OSCIA staff or applicant.
Alternatively, a QR code will also be made available at most events for participants to scan and complete an online version of the Participation Form. Applicants will receive a confirmation email from OSCIA to confirm that the recent KSE participation has been applied to their OFCAF project.
Event organizers will receive a QR code prior to the event so that producers can easily receive credit for attending the KSE.
Approved KSEs will benefit from cross-promotion by OSCIA to members and stakeholders, and campaigns targeting OFCAF participants. OSCIA will drive interest in your event through our social media, calendar listing, and features in OSCIA’s newsletters.
At the organizer’s discretion, OSCIA can provide staff to be present at the KSE to address questions and/or speak to the OFCAF and other relevant cost-share and learning opportunities delivered by OSCIA.
Apply to be a Knowledge Sharing Event
OFCAF cost-share funding is available to support up to 100% for third-party delivery costs to develop, administer and deliver or provide resources of Knowledge Sharing Events (KSEs), if needed.
Businesses and organizations must apply through the OSCIA portal, even if they are not requesting cost-share funding but wish to have their event designated as an OFCAF KSE-approved event.
Submit your event early to maximize cross promotion opportunities! To qualify an event as a KSE, OSCIA needs the event title, date, times, a contact person/event organizer, the event format (e.g., online, in-person), and a short event description that identifies which OFCAF BMPs will be covered (i.e., Nitrogen Management, Cover Cropping, Rotational Grazing Systems). To apply, submit your event on osciaportal.org. For more information on the requirements to receive cost-share for KSEs, please see the program guide (link).
For any questions, please email kse@ontariosoilcrop.org. KSE applications must be submitted for review a minimum of 10 business days prior to the event. All approved events will be automatically added to the KSE event calendar on the OSCIA website.
Questions?
If you have questions about applying as a KSE or about participating in a KSE as a cost-share requirement, please contact us at ofcaf@ontariosoilcrop.org or by phone at 226-934-8297.
Knowledge Sharing Events
Applicants must participate in an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) within the eligible Project Start and Completion dates for their approved OFCAF application, and before submitting a claim for cost-share.
Review the list below to find an applicable Knowledge Sharing Event in your area or online!
An Environmental Farm Plan in-person workshop or webinar or a Farmland Health Check-up completed within the eligible invoice dates for the intake under which the applicant was approved, can be a KSE for projects under Nitrogen Management or Cover Cropping.
Thank you for choosing to join OSCIA!Merci d'avoir choisi de rejoindre l'AASRO!
To become an OSCIA member with your local association, you'll be redirected to the OSCIA Portal at osciaportal.org.
The first step is to create an account, which will give you access to your personalized dashboard. From there, you can register for workshops, apply for cost-share programs, and complete your membership registration.
To finalize your membership, simply click the Membership button on your dashboard. You'll then be guided to select your region and the local association where you'd like to become a member.
We're excited to have you with us! At any point if you have any questions, please contact us at portalsupport@ontariosoilcrop.orgPour devenir membre de l'AASRO auprès de votre association locale, vous serez redirigé vers le portail de l'AASRO à l'adresse osciaportal.org.
La première étape consiste à créer un compte, qui vous donnera accès à votre tableau de bord personnalisé. Vous pourrez ensuite vous inscrire aux ateliers, appliquer aux programmes à frais partagés et finaliser votre adhésion. Pour finaliser votre adhésion, cliquez simplement sur le bouton « Adhésion » de votre tableau de bord. Vous serez ensuite guidé pour sélectionner votre région et l'association locale dont vous souhaitez devenir membre.Nous sommes ravis de vous compter parmi nous !
You are navigating away from the OSCIA website!Vous êtes sur le point de quitter le site Web de l`AASRO !
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