The Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Initiative, targeted to the Lake Erie basin and the southeast shores of Lake Huron, will provide cost-share funding to:

• Identify ways producers can improve soil health, reduce run-off, and improve pollinator habitat
• Modify equipment to address risks related to manure application and pollinator health
• Adopt best management practices, including soil erosion control structures, cover crops, residue management, buffer and shelter strips

The program will also support demonstration farms and technical training for service providers, and education including local workshops.

The Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Initiative is part of Growing Forward 2 (GF2), a comprehensive federal-provincial-territorial framework aimed at encouraging innovation, competitiveness and market development in Canada's agri-food and agri-products sector.

Supporting our agricultural industry is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario. The four part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.