The Essex Region Conservation Authority is offering grants to farmers looking to plant cover crops.
As part of the Clean Water-Green Spaces program grants of $15/acre for up to 200 acres or $3,000 are available.
The grants would cover crops which are planted after winter wheat or soy. The authority said this practice improves water quality by reducing erosion and nutrient losses from fields.
“We know that the highest losses of sediment and nutrients from farm fields occurs during the non-growing season during rain and snow melt events because water runs over bare fields,” says Michael Dick, Agricultural Technician and Certified Crop Advisor. “The added vegetation can help slow and filter this runoff, which is also a beneficial practice for improving overall soil health.”
Anyone interested in participating in the program is encouraged to contact Dick with ERCA to start the application process.
