The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $5 million to improve the productivity and resilience of community grazing pastures across Ontario. Funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), the initiative is designed to support cattle farmers by enhancing shared pasturelands and helping them remain competitive in the face of economic and environmental challenges.
The Community Pastures Initiative will provide financial support—covering up to 100% of eligible project costs—for improvements that benefit both livestock and the environment. The program encourages the adoption of best management practices (BMPs) and technologies that improve forage quality, soil health, and biodiversity.
Examples of eligible projects include:
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Rotational grazing systems
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Planting resilient perennial forage and permanent grasslands
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Establishing riparian buffers and pollinator habitats
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Installing tree buffers, shelterbelts, and integrated silvopasture systems
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Enhancing wetlands, water retention, and runoff control
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Managing sensitive natural areas to protect ecosystems
This initiative is part of the broader Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP), which is funded through Sustainable CAP—a five-year, $3.5 billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments. Of this, $2.5 billion is cost-shared between federal and provincial governments to support regionally delivered programs.
The Ontario Forage Council will oversee the delivery of the initiative, working alongside the Ontario Association of Community Pastures. Eleven pasture boards, managing over 6,400 hectares, are expected to benefit. These improvements aim to increase carrying capacity, rejuvenate pastureland, and support long-term sustainability in the beef sector.
By enhancing the health of Ontario’s shared pastures, the program also supports environmental goals, including soil and water conservation, climate resilience, and improved biodiversity.
More information, including how to apply, will be available through the Ontario Forage Council.
For details about agricultural programs and services, contact the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or email ag.info.omafa@ontario.ca.
