Boost Your Farm’s Efficiency with the OSCIA Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Ontario farm businesses have a limited-time opportunity to upgrade their operations and reduce energy costs through the OSCIA Energy Efficiency Rebate Program. This initiative, part of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, offers 35% cost-share funding—up to $35,000 per project—for energy-saving retrofits.
🗓️ Application Window: August 13 – September 3, 2025
This is a short intake period, so it’s crucial to prepare your application early. All applications must be submitted through the OSCIA Portal, and approvals will be communicated approximately 50 business days after the intake closes.
✅ Who’s Eligible?
- Operate a farm business that files taxes in Ontario
- Have a verified 4th or 5th Edition Environmental Farm Plan (EFP)
- Be in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
More on the EFP: Canada–Ontario Environmental Farm Plan
🔧 What’s Covered?
This program supports retrofit projects only—no new builds or expansions. Eligible upgrades include:
- Variable frequency drives (VFD) for electric motors (ventilation fans)
- High efficiency electric motors replacing existing non-efficient motors.
- EC (electronically commutated motors)
- Energy efficient exhaust fans
- Agrifans, including with EC motors
- Solar air heating (SolarWall)
- Installation or upgrades of ventilation heat exchangers
- Energy efficient circulating fans
- High-volume low speed (HVLS) fans- Better Air
- Recirculation fans with EC motors (Genius)
- Recirculation fans with EC motors (Better Air)
- Efficient mechanical ventilation systems.
- Engineering and system design.
- Installation of equipment and other system components that are directly related to the completion of the proposed energy efficiency improvement project.
📋 What You’ll Need
- Certificate of completion for your 4th/5th Edition EFP
- Completed ASEEI Energy Worksheet (2025–2026)
- Supporting documentation, such as:
- Energy bills (past year) to establish baseline energy usage
- Manufacturer specifications or performance test results to show potential energy savings
🧠 How Projects Are Assessed
- How well the project addresses risks identified in your EFP
- The estimated reduction in energy use
📅 Claim Deadlines
- Costs incurred before February 15, 2026: Submit by February 15, 2026
- Costs from February 16 to December 1, 2026: Submit by December 1, 2026
🌱 Take the First Step Toward a Greener Future
This is a fantastic opportunity to modernize your farm, reduce energy costs, and contribute to a more sustainable agricultural sector. Don’t miss out—register today and start preparing your application!