Grants are available to farmers in Essex who practice sustainable farming.

According to the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA), the money comes from the federal Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative.

The following projects, and many others, are eligible:

• Cover crops
• Buffer strips
• Soil erosion control works
• Equipment modification
• Windbreak

Up to 90 percent of project costs can be covered for those that improve water quality and protect soils from erosion.

“We are very pleased to offer a comprehensive incentive program, through the funding we received, that will help the agricultural community implement practices on their farms that will improve the soil health and water quality of our local waterways and in the Great Lakes,” said water quality scientist Katie Stammler.

The ERCA guarantees that participation is voluntary and that property rights will not be affected.

Applications can be completed here.