Peel Rural Water Quality Program expands

July 24, 2014 · 0 Comments

Peel Region has announced new funding opportunities for farmers as part of the Peel Rural Water Quality Program (PRWQP).
The new funding is available for projects that support environmental enhancement and sustainability, and build on the program’s core mandate to improve water quality.
PRWQP is a voluntary, confidential program that promotes and supports implementation of agricultural environmental best management practice projects on farm properties in Peel. The program provides technical assistance and financial incentives to help farm owners address rural water quality issues on their property.
The three new project categories are:
• Cover Crops: $100 per acre up to 50 acres to assist with growing cover crops to help reduce the risk of soil erosion.
• Natural Area Enhancement and Creation: For example, creating wetlands, native meadows or prairies.
• On-Farm Composting: Establishing of small-scale on-farm composting systems for vegetable and field crop matter.
“A tremendous amount of work has been put into expanding and updating the program” said Heather Laidlaw, chair of the Region of Peel Agricultural Advisory Working Group and past-president of the Peel Federation of Agriculture. “All of the program partners are very excited to be able to offer new grant opportunities that directly support our agricultural community.”
PRWQP is funded by the Region of Peel and administered in partnership with Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). The program was developed with the Peel Federation of Agriculture and Peel Soil and Crop Improvement Association.
For more information on the technical assistance and financial incentives offered through the Peel Rural Water Quality Program or for eligibility criteria, contact CVC at 905-670-1615 ext. 430 or TRCA at 416-661-6600 ext. 5349.