Durham Region: farm program offers up to 100% funding for stewardship projects

Durham Region and its five local conservation authorities have launched the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP), a subsidized farmland enhancement program offering up to 100 per cent funding for eligible projects on agricultural land in Durham Region, the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) announced on Oct. 24, 2026.

Eligible best management practices include tree planting, wetland restoration, grassland restoration, pollinator strips and pollinator intercropping. CLOCA says the work can increase crop yields through erosion reduction, salinity management and better pollination, while providing natural shelter for livestock and building climate resilience. About 47 per cent of Durham Region is active agricultural land, according to the program announcement.

Funding comes from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, Durham Region, conservation partners, the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada. Landowners need an Environmental Farm Plan to take part, and CLOCA notes services may vary across the region. The five partner conservation authorities are Central Lake Ontario, Ganaraska Region, Kawartha, Lake Simcoe Region, and Toronto and Region.