Partnering with Peel Farmers since 2005
Access up to $30,000 in project grants and up to $150/acre annually in ALUS payments on eligible projects.
Peel Rural Water Quality Program (PRWQP): Benefit from grant funding for 19 different on-farm projects categories. Please see the full list of project categories below.
ALUS Peel: Obtain payments of up to $150/acre annually for the management and maintenance of stewardship projects like tree planting, wetland restoration, livestock fencing, and erosion control. Click here to learn more. Contact program staff to discuss eligibility.
Have a project in mind? Contact us!
project and grant Inquiry form
For more information or to discuss a potential project please feel free to reach out:
rcwp@trca.ca | 437-224-4347.
Project Grant Categories
The following grants are available to farmers who implement projects to construct new structures, upgrade or repair existing structures (under certain circumstances), and/or enhance land resources as part of their PRWQP project proposal application.
A single property may be eligible for grants under each category.
If you have a project or innovative technology in mind that is not listed in our grant categories, but is aligned with PRWQP’s goals, you may still be eligible for some funding. Please contact program staff to share your idea.
| Eligible Project | Grant Rate | Grant Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Barnyard Runoff Control & Clean Water Diversion | 50% | $12,000 |
| Cover Crops | $100/acre up to 50 acres1 $40/acre for additional acres up to 300 acres1 |
|
| Crop Nutrient Plan | 70%2 | $3,0002 |
| Education | 100% | $1,5003 |
| Erosion Control Structures | 70% | $10,000 |
| Forest Plantation Management | ||
| · Forest Management | 30% | $500 |
| · Inventory, silvicultural prescription, marking, and prescription implementation | 50% | $6,000 |
| Fuel & Chemical Storage | 50% | $3,500 |
| Integrated Pest Management | 50% | $5,000 |
| Irrigation Management | 50% | $10,000 |
| Livestock Fencing from Environmentally Sensitive Features | 80%4 | $20,000 |
| Manure Storage & Handling Systems and Composting Facilities | 50%4 | $30,0004 |
| Milkhouse Washwater Disposal | 50% | $10,000 |
| Natural Area Enhancement & Creation | 100% | $20,000 |
| Nutrient Management Plan | 70%2 | $3,0002 |
| Nutrient Management Strategy | 70%2 | $2,0002 |
| Private Well Abandonment | Offered through the Region of Peel | |
| Private Well Upgrade | 50% | $3,000 |
| Silage Storage Enhancement & Relocation | 50% | $18,000 |
| Tree Planting | 100% | $10,000 |
- Limited to a maximum of 50 ac/year/farm business and 300 ac/farm business over the life of the program.
- Rate and cap listed in table refer to first application. Reduced rate and cap will be applied to subsequent applications. See Project Specific Information and Guidelines for details.
- Limited to once per year/organization.
- 100% grant rate will apply on materials only if installed by landowner.
Program Eligibility
- Your project must be located within the Peel Region (Caledon, Brampton, or Mississauga)
- You must be the property owner or the person currently leasing the land.
- You must have a valid Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) or a valid exemption.
- You must have a current Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) or be willing to complete one.
PROJECT AND GRANT INQUIRY FORM
The map above illustrates the Peel Rural Water Quality Program’s area of eligibility for landowner participation in the Peel Region. The program is administered by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), shown in orange, and Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), shown in yellow. Landowners should contact their respective Conservation Authority for assistance.
How to Apply – it’s easy!
- Contact Program staff
- Schedule a free site visit
- Complete, sign and submit short application form (we will help you complete the form)
- TRCA presents your project to the Peel Agricultural Advisory Working Group (at one of their quarterly meetings) for approval
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I receive my funding?
Funding is granted once a project is confirmed complete after a final site visit which ensures all PRWQP guidelines are followed.
What is the time commitment required for the grant process?
There are a few short forms to sign and typically two site visits — one before and one after the project is completed.
How soon is funding issued after project completion?
Once the Final Expense Claim Form is signed, it usually takes 1-2 months.
I am a farmer that has a hand-shake lease agreement with the landowner. Am I still eligible?
This is usually acceptable.
Do I own the infrastructure or plants of my project?
Yes, the farmer or landowner will ultimately own and be responsible for the maintenance of any project or infrastructure.
If I do a tree planting project, can I choose the species of trees and where they go?
TRCA’s Private Lands Planting Team will create a planting plan based on the unique characteristics of your property. This plan will include a variety of, mostly native, tree and shrubs species, that our experts believe will have the best chances of survival on your property. If there are certain types of native plants that you would like to include, we will do our best to accommodate. The landowner/farmer chooses where any planting will occur and gives signed approval of the planting plan before the project is started.
Is PRWQP trying to plant trees on naturalize prime agricultural land?
Absolutely not. Our program only ever advocates for working with farmers to enhance marginal lands and other areas that they have deemed non-viable for their operation. Everything is done with the full consent of the farmer and/or the rural landowner. The goal of the program is to enhance and protect water quality, not naturalize valuable agricultural land.
Do I need an Environmental Farm Plan?
Yes you do, however you have up to 1 year after project approval to complete it. It is strongly encouraged to complete the EFP as soon as possible.
Is there a fee to apply or schedule a site visit?
No, it is free.
My farm/property is outside of TRCA’s jurisdiction. Can I apply?
No, only projects within our jurisdiction are eligible for TRCA’s funding. However, many other conservation authorities across southern Ontario do have similar funding! Please feel free to contact us and we can help to connect you!
Who is the Peel Agricultural Advisory Working group?
The Peel Agricultural Advisory Working Group (PAAWG) is a voluntary Working Group established by Regional Council in partnership with Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). The group is made up of farmers, councilors, and community members — including those with agricultural backgrounds. They act as an advisory body on agriculture related matters.