If you’re like most, the idea of filling out paperwork is rather low down on the “how I like to spend my free time” list. At the same time, the extra effort it takes to stay in the know and access government funding can be well worth it, as there are several options within Growing Forward 2 that could really benefit farmers and their operations.
As Margaret May, with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, explains in this video far more eloquently than I ever could, there are both fully covered opportunities and cost-share options for farmers, all farmers have to do is know their options for eligible programs and workshops (there are many, like the Advanced Farm Management Program) and put the time in apply. As always, the OSCIA is here to help.
Half of the battle with funding programs is getting past the buzzwords. As May says, what the government calls “capacity building” means skills training, education, audits, advisory services and assessments — areas of the farm business nearly every farm could use funding for. There’s also the “implementation” side of Growing Forward 2’s farmer-focused-funding, and this is where those with a plan in hand can find support. Unlike in the past, gone is the first-come-first-served basis of funding approval. Projects will now be approved on a merit basis several times a year. Watch the video below for more information or, click here, or talk to your local OSCIA branch.
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