Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

(SARFIP)

About Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

Accepting Applications

Farmland stretches over 12 million acres of Ontario, often integrated with valuable plant, ﬁsh and wildlife habitat. As stewards of the land, farmers have a unique opportunity to support species at risk (SAR) alongside their farming practices. The Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program (SARFIP) provides funding to agricultural landowners who complete habitat creation, enhancement and protection Best Management Practices (BMPs) that support species at risk (SAR). The range of possible activities applies to croplands, grasslands, stream banks, shorelines, wetlands and woodlands.

Cost-share funding is available for beneﬁcial practices that directly or indirectly beneﬁt SAR. The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) allocates cost-share based on project applications and issues approved cost-share after projects have been completed and the required documentation is received.

Intake Opens: April 2, 2024, 9am ET

Intake Closes: The intake will close when the budget is fully allocated

Claim Deadline: December 15, 2024

Stay up-to-date! Join the OSCIA programs mailing list.

SARFIP 2022 Program Brochure

The Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program (SARFIP) provides funding to agricultural landowners interested in completing habitat creation, enhancement and protection Best Management Practices (BMPs) that support species at risk. Addressing risks identified through the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) workbook, farmers can implement practices that are beneficial for species listed as at-risk in Ontario. The range of possible activities applies to croplands, grasslands, stream banks, shorelines, wetlands and woodlands. Check out the SARFIP 2022 Brochure for the full program details.

What do you need to apply?

Applications are only accepted during application intakes. Be sure to carefully review information in the SARFIP Online Program Guide as only eligible and complete applications will be considered.

To be eligible for SARFIP you must meet the following three criteria:

Be actively farming or own actively farmed land in Ontario.
Have a 4th Edition Environmental Farm Plan and Action Plan verified complete by OSCIA
Have a valid Premises Identification Number (PID) for the farm property where the proposed project will be completed. For more information call 1-888-247-4999 or visit ontariopid.com.

The online Program Guide provides program information, including eligibility criteria, project category information, application intake dates, Enrolment and Application Forms.

Resources for Applying

The Online Program Guide provides program information, including eligibility criteria, project category information, application intake dates, Enrolment and Application Forms.

Looking for additional resources for habitat enhancement or restoration projects in support of SAR?

For information on the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Workshop, including how to register for a workshop.

Stay up-to-date! Join the OSCIA Programs mailing list.

Do you have questions about SARFIP?

(519) 826-4214

sarfip@ontariosoilcrop.org

Looking for Species at Risk (SAR) Resources?

Interested in exploring other cost-share opportunities?

Benefit more with SARFIP Stories

Benefit more with SARFIP - Cedar Creek Farms

Benefit more with SARFIP - Keller Farms

Benefit more with SARFIP - Everterra Farms

Benefit more with SARFIP - Eden Lane Farm

SARFIP Application Forms

Sar Specific Needs

1.1 Habitat Structures and Enhancements

1.2 Corridors Connecting Habitats

1.3 Biodiversity Enhancement Plan

1.4 Invasive Plant Species Control

1.5 Other Specific SAR Habitat Improvement Projects

Forests

2.1 Fencing to Exclude Livestock from Woodland Areas

2.2 Native Tree Planting

Application [2.1]

Application [2.2]

Water

3.1 Wetland Restoration

3.2 Fencing to Exclude Livestock from Water’s Edge

3.3 Improved Stream Crossings

3.4 Erosion Control Structures Along Water’s Edge

Grasslands

4.1 Native Grassland Planting

4.2 Cross Fencing for Rotational Grazing

Application [4.1]

Application [4.2]

1.2 Corridors Connecting Habitats

Application [1.2]

1.3 Biodiversity Enhancement Plan

Application [1.3]

Note about Tree Planting Service Agreements

Planting must be done directly through a Conservation Authority and prepayment for all services and fees must be completed with proof of payment submitted to OSCIA as part of your claim package. The applicant must enter into a Tree Service Agreement (provided by OSCIA to applicant upon conditional approval of a submitted application). The agreement must be signed by the applicant and the Conservation Authority before being submitted to OSCIA for final approval. In the event that a Conservation Authority is not available to undertake the project (e.g. there is no Conservation Authority in your area, or they are unable to take on your project) an independent Planting Delivery Agent may be used. The independent Planting Delivery Agent must hold liability insurance of two million dollars or more to cover the activities outlined in the approved SARFIP application and provide a copy of this insurance with the completed Tree Service Agreement.