Canada and Ontario are jointly investing up to $3 million to help farmers enhance energy efficiency through the third intake of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI). This effort aims to support local agriculture while promoting sustainable growth and economic competitiveness.
The ASI provides financial support of $10,000 to $90,000 to eligible farmers for projects that include replacing outdated equipment and installing efficient lighting, heating, cooling, and grain drying systems. It also supports geothermal and high-efficiency technology adoption.
Funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the ASI aligns with a larger $3.5 billion plan (2023–2028) to strengthen innovation and sustainability in Canada's agriculture sector. This plan includes both federal and provincial funding support.
Since 2023, the ASI has already supported over 870 projects with a total of $12.5 million. With this third round, the combined investment will reach $15.5 million to help even more farms modernize their energy systems.
“Farmers are true stewards of the land,” said the Honorable Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “With this latest round of funding, farmers across Ontario will be able to invest in greener, more efficient equipment, keeping their farms strong and sustainable for the future.”
The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) is responsible for managing the program and assisting farmers with applications and implementation. “The opportunities offered under the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative will support producers in understanding how much energy is used on their farms, and in implementing energy efficiency improvements that can reduce electrical and fossil fuel use and the rising costs of agricultural production,” said Eleanor Renaud, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) President.
“The initiative’s objectives align with OSCIA’s mission to support farmers with knowledge, programs and community to facilitate responsible economic management of soil, water, air and crops through development and communication of innovative farming practices. OSCIA is pleased to deliver this opportunity to Ontario farmers.”
Applications for this third ASI intake will be accepted between August 13 and September 3, 2025, through the OSCIA website.