Agricultural Stewardship Initiative
by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
Also known as: ASI · Sustainable CAP cost-share (stewardship)
The Agricultural Stewardship Initiative is Ontario's Sustainable CAP cost-share program for on-farm best management practices, soil health, water quality, erosion control structures, nutrient management, manure storage and energy efficiency. Reported per-applicant funding runs $6,000-$90,000 (exact percentages per category sit in the OSCIA program guide). Delivered by OSCIA through periodic intakes; the fourth intake closed July 29, 2026. You need an FBRN, premises ID, and a current Environmental Farm Plan.
Key facts
- Amount
- $6,000 – $90,000
canada.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Reported, verification pending
- Instrument
- Grant (non-repayable)
- Status
- Intake closed next window not yet announced
- Your share
- See terms
programguides.ontariosoilcrop.org · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Uncertain: confirm with funder
- Who qualifies
- Farm businesses
- Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) or exemption documentation
- Valid premises identification (PID) number
- Certificate of completion for a 4th or 5th Edition Environmental Farm Plan
- Letter of support from an accredited Ontario Agricultural Advisor
ontariosoilcrop.org · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Intake windows
| Cycle | Opens | Closes | Status | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Intake 4 (Sustainable CAP) | Jul 8, 2026 | Jul 29, 2026 15:00 | Closed | ontariosoilcrop.org · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Reported, verification pending |
Application process
- Create an account on the OSCIA Portal (osciaportal.org)
- Complete program enrolment
- Submit application during an open intake window
- If approved, implement the BMP project and submit claims
ontariosoilcrop.org · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Stacking
- Tile Loan Program, Complementary rather than stacked: ASI does not list tile drainage installation as an eligible cost-share category; drainage installation is financed instead through the repayable Tile Loan Program, while ASI cost-shares adjacent stewardship work such as erosion control structures.
Common questions
Can northern Ontario farms apply to ASI?
Yes, ASI is province-wide and delivered by OSCIA, which has regional associations across the North. Standard requirements apply: FBRN (or exemption), premises ID, a 4th/5th Edition Environmental Farm Plan, and a letter from an accredited Ontario Agricultural Advisor.
Does ASI cover tile drainage?
Tile drainage installation is not among ASI's listed categories. Ontario finances tile drainage separately through the Tile Loan Program (a repayable loan up to 75% of work value). ASI does cover related stewardship work like erosion control structures.
When is the next ASI intake?
The fourth intake closed July 29, 2026. Intakes are announced periodically through OSCIA, join their program email list or watch ontariosoilcrop.org for the next window.
How much funding does ASI provide?
Government announcements report successful applicants receive between $6,000 and $90,000 depending on the project. Cost-share percentages vary by BMP category per the OSCIA program guide, verify your category's rate before budgeting.
Apply
Apply on the funder’s site and confirm current terms there: