March 16, 2022 – Farmers can now receive annual payments to protect and monitor nature on their lands through the new ALUS Peel Pilot. ALUS, the Region of Peel, Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) have partnered to expand the Peel Rural Water Quality Program in a new three-year pilot project.
“The Region of Peel and TRCA are pleased to support this new partnership,” said Jennifer Innis, Regional Councillor, Chair of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and member of the Peel Agricultural Advisory Working Group. “Building upon the success and reputation of the Peel Rural Water Quality Program, we are excited to extend additional support to farmers to help them manage their land and water to improve soil, water and air quality and enhances wildlife habitat.”
Local farmers have a long-standing history of working with the Region and conservation authorities to implement soil and water improvement projects on their land for the benefit of nature, their farms and surrounding communities. Since 2004, the Region of Peel, CVC and TRCA have delivered the Peel Rural Water Quality Program. Twenty per cent of the farming community in Peel has participated in and implemented environmental projects valued at more than $4.7 million.
“Agriculture is a vital sector in our local economy,” said Mark Eastman, Senior Coordinator, Agricultural Outreach at Credit Valley Conservation. “The pilot recognizes agriculture’s importance while also supporting the ongoing efforts of farmers in caring for the natural areas of their properties. These areas provide important environmental benefits to surrounding communities.”
Stewardship projects that will be supported include native tree and shrub planting, grassland, wetland and stream restoration, livestock fencing and erosion control structures. These projects deliver important ecological outcomes by creating wildlife habitat, improving soil and water quality, reducing flood risk and capturing carbon.
“I encourage every farmer to think critically about their land. If you have areas that are environmentally sensitive, struggle to produce a profitable crop or are inefficient to farm, consider planting native trees or grasses and wildflowers, or constructing a wetland,” said Gary Mountain, Peel Farmer and Chair, Peel Agricultural Advisory Working Group. “With this new partnership, you will receive funding to establish the project and ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the site will be recognized with an annual payment up to $150 per acre, per year.”
Farmers can learn more at aluspeel.ca.
About Credit Valley Conservation
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a local conservation authority established by the Ontario government in 1954 to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment of the Credit River Watershed. Our watershed is defined by the area of land where all rainfall, snowmelt and runoff drain into lands and waters flowing into the Credit River. CVC creates connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. We inspire a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario.
About the Region of Peel
The Region of Peel works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life, for approximately 1.5 million people and over 175,000 businesses in the cities of Brampton and Mississauga and the Town of Caledon. Peel’s services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information about the Region of Peel, explore peelregion.ca and follow us on Twitter @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
About Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
With more than 60 years of experience, TRCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario, created to safeguard and enhance the health and well-being of watershed communities through the protection and restoration of the natural environment and the ecological services the environment provides. More than five million people live within TRCA-managed watersheds, and many others work in and visit destinations across the jurisdiction. These nine watersheds, plus their collective Lake Ontario waterfront shorelines, span six upper-tier and 15 lower-tier municipalities. Some of Canada’s largest and fastest growing municipalities, including Toronto, Markham and Vaughan, are located entirely within TRCA’s jurisdiction. To learn more about TRCA, visit trca.ca.
About ALUS
ALUS (originally an acronym for Alternative Land Use Services) is a charitable organization that sustains agriculture and biodiversity for the benefit of communities and future generations. ALUS provides direct financial and technical support to a network of more than a thousand farmers and ranchers who deliver ecosystem services in more than 30 communities across Canada, such as cleaner air, cleaner water, carbon sequestration, erosion control, flood mitigation, pollinator support and wildlife habitat. Contact us for more information.
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Media Contact
Sophia Maio
Supervisor, Marketing and Communications
Credit Valley Conservation
M: 437-240-4801
[email protected]