OSCIA is pleased to announce that Tier One funding is currently available for projects completed between April 1-September 30, 2021. Funding is available through the local or regional associations for projects that align with OSCIA research priorities, encourage grassroots innovation, serve to educate, and help build awareness of Ontario agriculture.

The Tier One Grant is able to support such local and regional projects such as educational activities, field days, guest speakers, seed fairs, in-field demonstrations and in-field trials. The emergence of virtual tours over the last year has proven a new avenue to be able to reach more individuals than ever before.

Local and Regional associations can apply for a maximum of $1,500 with the current Tier One funding, up to a maximum of $25,000 across all local/regional associations. This funding is currently available for projects with a start date after April 1 and must be wrapped up by September 30, 2021. Additional funding may be available after this time. Applications are approved based off a first-come, first-served basis.

Check out the OSCIA website for summaries of past projects https://membership.ontariosoilcrop.org/association-association-membership-grants-tier-one-2018-2021-tier-one-grant-summaries/.  To highlight one project from early 2020, Norfolk hosted a Road Safety Grower Day. During the event, Officers from the Ministry of Transportation and the Ontario Provincial Police made a presentation regarding updated regulations to the Highway Traffic Act and how this relates to farm equipment and their operators. Norfolk was able to increase their membership by 14 through hosting this event.

Local and Regional Associations are encouraged to visit our website for more information on how to apply (https://membership.ontariosoilcrop.org/association/association-membership/grants/tier-one/).