Ontario is home to over 49,000 farms generating $17 billion in annual farm cash receipts,1 making it one of Canada's most diverse agricultural provinces. From dairy operations in Eastern Ontario to greenhouse operations in Leamington and grain farms across the southwest, Ontario farmers have access to a wide range of federal and provincial funding. This guide highlights some of the best programs worth knowing about.
The Ontario Farm Grant Landscape
Ontario's agricultural funding comes from two main sources: federal programs through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and provincial programs through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).2 Many of the general programs are open to all farm types, while others target specific commodities like beef, dairy, or poultry.
Cost-share ratios vary widely by program, from 25% up to 100% depending on the initiative. Most programs require applications before starting your project, and missing a deadline means waiting for the next intake.
Describe your farm and get matched with every Ontario grant you qualify for instantly.
Search Grants for Your FarmTop Ontario Grants, Subsidies and Compensation Programs
Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative
Funding for Ontario primary producers and processors to diversify into new domestic and international markets. Covers planning, implementation, and equipment costs with cost-share rates of 25% to 35%.Application deadline: March 17, 2026.3
Up to $499,999 depending on streamOntario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program
Direct compensation for farmers whose livestock or bee colonies are killed or injured by wildlife. Covers cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and bee colonies with payouts up to $8,000 per livestock unit and $250 per bee colony.4
Up to $8,000 per livestock unitResilient Agricultural Landscape Program
Funding for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon through grassland establishment, perennial biomass crops, and warm season pastures. Requires a valid premises ID and a completed 4th Edition Environmental Farm Plan.5
Varies by projectFarm Property Class Tax Rate Program
Eligible farmland owners receive a reduced property tax rate of no more than 25% of their municipality's residential rate. This isn't a grant you apply for once; it's an ongoing tax reduction that saves thousands every year.6
Up to 75% property tax reductionConservation Land Tax Incentive Program
A 100% property tax exemption on eligible conservation lands including provincially significant wetlands, Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest, and endangered species habitat. Available to any landowner with qualifying natural heritage features.Application deadline: July 31, 2026.7
100% property tax exemption on eligible landFederal Programs Available in Ontario
Ontario farmers can also access these federal AAFC programs:
- AgriStability covers 80% of your losses when your margin falls more than 30% below your historical reference margin.8
- AgriInvest is a savings account where the government matches your deposit up to 1% of your Allowable Net Sales.9
- AgriInsurance is premium-subsidized crop insurance covering production losses from drought, flooding, disease, and other natural hazards.10
- Advance Payments Program gives you up to $1,000,000 in cash advances against stored or growing products, with the first $250,000 interest-free.11
- AgriMarketing funds industry-led export development activities with up to $2 million per year available.12
Many Ontario farmers are eligible for both provincial and federal programs simultaneously. Stacking programs can cover 75% or more of project costs, but you need to know which ones allow it.
How to Apply: Tips for Ontario Farmers
- Check deadlines first. Many programs have intake periods. Applying outside the window means waiting months.
- Get quotes before you apply. Most cost-share programs require competitive quotes and won't reimburse work started before approval.
- Keep detailed records. Receipts, photos of completed work, and supplier invoices are all required for reimbursement.
- Talk to your OMAFRA rep. Regional agriculture representatives can help identify the best programs for your operation and assist with applications.
- Monitor for new intakes. Programs open and close throughout the year. Setting up alerts means you won't miss the next window.
Find Every Grant You Qualify For
Ag Alerts monitors government websites daily so you don't have to. Describe your farm and we'll show you what you qualify for.
Search Grants for Your FarmReferences
- Statistics Canada, Census of Agriculture 2021. statcan.gc.ca
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. ontario.ca
- Government of Ontario, Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative. ontario.ca
- Government of Ontario, Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program. ontario.ca
- Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program. ontariosoilcrop.org
- Agricorp, Farm Property Class Tax Rate Program. agricorp.com
- Government of Ontario, Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program. ontario.ca
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, AgriStability. agriculture.canada.ca
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, AgriInvest. agriculture.canada.ca
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, AgriInsurance. agriculture.canada.ca
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Advance Payments Program. agriculture.canada.ca
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, AgriMarketing Program. agriculture.canada.ca