New program sows seeds for greener Canada

Farmers are planting more than crops this growing season—they’re also planting the seeds of a greener future. Under the land conversion component of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Greencover Canada program, farmers can now apply for financial assistance to convert environmentally sensitive crop land to forage, trees and shrubs.

Greencover Canada is a five-year, $110-million federal program designed to promote sustainable land use and to expand the land base covered by perennial forage and trees. The program—developed with producer groups, provinces, industry and other partners—supports the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) by fostering environmentally responsible use of Canada’s agricultural land resources.

The conversion component targets lands that have severe limitations for growing annual crops, or are severely degrading due to wind and water erosion, salinization, or loss of organic matter. To be eligible for the program, land must have been in annual crop production as of July 1, 2002.

An environmental sensitivity index (ESI) is used to help identify the most sensitive land for eligibility to ensure the maximum environmental benefit. The ESI considers soil quality, air quality, landscape, proximity to water and wildlife implications.

To qualify for payments, farmers must meet minimum standards for seed selection and quality, as well as seeding practices. Participating producers will receive a one-time payment for seeding and a subsequent one-time payment upon signing a land-use agreement. This agreement, which commences once the forage or trees are established, ensures the land remains in perennial cover for at least 10 years.

Details on the three other components of Greencover—technical assistance, the management of critical areas near water, and the planting of shelterbelts—will be announced later this year.

For more information on Greencover Canada, or for a copy of the application form, visit our Web site at www.agr.gc.ca/greencover-verdir, or call 1-866-844-5620.