Following in the footsteps of the Soil Health Improvement Program available last fall, the Lake Simcoe Soil Health Improvement Project (LS-SHIP) is now being launched, offering financial support to farmers in the Lake Simcoe watershed for implementing select best management practices (BMPs) that improve soil health and water quality.
Similar in structure to the Farmland Health Incentive Program, LS-SHIP requires producers to complete an on-farm soil health assessment by working with a participating Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) or Professional Agrologist (P. Ag.). Free of charge to producers, the Soil Health Check-Up and the Muck Soil Health Check-Up offer producers a unique opportunity to assess the health of their farm and develop BMPs that are tailored to the specific needs of their operation.
The Lake Simcoe Soil Health Improvement Project offers up to 50 per cent cost-share to a maximum of $20,000 in funding to producers in the Lake Simcoe watershed who implement BMPs after completing a soil health or muck soil health check-up. Eight BMPs are eligible for cost-share under LS-SHIP: cover crops; crop nutrient plans; buffer strips; windbreaks and windstrips; equipment customization; erosion control structures; fragile land retirement; and runoff water management.
Applications are now being accepted for this initiative. Funding will be allocated to eligible projects in the order in which applications are received. LS-SHIP application materials are available online, as well as a list of participating CCAs and P.Ags who can deliver the Soil Health Check-Up to producers.
For more information on eligibility criteria, the application process, and program deadlines, visit the OSCIA website at ontariosoilcrop.org
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