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 Land Conversion
How does the land-conversion component work?The land-conversion component will provide you with advice and financial incentives if your application to convert environmentally sensitive land to perennial cover is approved. Who can participate?You are eligible to participate in the program if:
What kinds of land are eligible?To qualify under this program, your land must:
Note: Established forage stands are not eligible under the Greencover Canada program. How much land can you convert?The minimum amount of land that Greencover Canada will consider for conversion is 40 acres on the same quarter-section or parcel of land. For each quarter-section or parcel of land, you must submit a separate application form. How is your land determined to be "environmentally sensitive"?Greencover Canada will review your proposal by assessing the proposed lands against a farmland-specific environmental sensitivity index (ESI). This index considers soil quality, air quality, landscape drainage patterns, proximity to water, and contributions to wildlife habitat and biodiversity. If your land has a high ESI, Greencover Canada will consider it a higher priority for funding. What kinds of perennial cover can you use?To qualify for payment, Greencover Canada requires a Certificate or Report of Seed Analysis, and seed tags which state you have met the minimum standards for seed selection and quality. Certified seed is recommended, although the minimum acceptable seed quality is Common No. 1, or its equivalent standard for non-graded native forages. Seed must be free of downy brome and Japanese brome. Because of their tendency to spread, it is recommended that crested wheatgrass and smooth bromegrass not be seeded within three quarters of a kilometre (half a mile) of existing native rangeland. For trees and shrubs, the plant material must be adapted to the area and be long-lived. Long-lived perennial species, such as forage, shrubs, or trees, should make up at least 75% of the seed mix. For information on suitable species, please see the standards outlined in some provincial forage guidelines or the Greencover Canada Forage Selection Guide, or by calling 1 866 844-5620. Where available, Greencover Canada strongly encourages you to purchase forage establishment insurance. Note: Perennial short-term rotational crops, such as alfalfa for dehydration production, are not eligible under the program. In addition, the production of forage seed is not an eligible activity. What financial assistance is available?If Greencover Canada approves your application, you will receive two one-time payments:
Do you have to sign a land-use agreement?The Contribution and Land-Use Agreement outlines your commitment to establish and maintain perennial cover on the land during the entire term of the agreement. Landowners must sign a Contribution and Land-Use Agreement before Greencover Canada will issue program payments. If you later ask to terminate the Contribution and Land-Use Agreement, you will have to repay some or all of the funds that you have received under the Greencover Canada Land Conversion component. Repayment calculations are outlined in the Contribution and Land-Use Agreement. What is the application deadline?The program will accept applications for five years, from 2003 to 2007. The deadline for submitting applications after 2003 is January 31 of each year. The final application deadline for the program is January 31, 2007. To be eligible for program funding, you will need to receive approval from Greencover Canada before you seed or plant. How to applyUse a separate application form for each quarter-section or parcel of land. For a list of suitable tame and native forage species in your area, check the Greencover Canada Forage Selection Guide or by telephone at 1 866 844-5620.Where to send your applicationSend your completed application form by mail to: Greencover Canada, Land Conversion To submit your application in person, please call 1 866 844-5620 for the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada office nearest you. After you receive approvalYou will receive a letter from Greencover Canada indicating your application is approved. With your letter of approval, you will also receive a Seeding Completion Request Form, Land Conversion component terms and conditions, and two copies of the Contribution and Land-Use Agreement. Greencover Canada encourages you to review these documents with your lawyer. If you agree to the program terms and conditions and the Contribution and Land-Use Agreement, complete your seeding or planting - then complete, sign and return the Seeding Payment Request Form, both copies of the Contribution and Land-Use Agreement, plus the Certificate or Report of Seed Analysis and seed tags. Upon receiving a signed Seeding Payment Request Form, signed Contribution and Land-Use Agreements, and a Certificate or Report of Seed Analysis, Greencover Canada will issue the initial seeding payment. After one complete growing season, an official designated by Greencover Canada will conduct an inspection to ensure the perennial cover is established. Once the stand is determined to be established a Certificate of Stand Establishment will be issued, and you will receive the second payment. For more informationInformation on the Greencover Canada Land Conversion application form, or call 1-866-844-5620. For more details on the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF), please call: Toll-free telephone: 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) You can also visit our Web site for details on the APF.
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