Experimental Acres supports farmers in Grey County with the implementation of sustainable agricultural best practices. 

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Farmers know their land best, and Grey County is backing their ideas for how to improve yield, soil health and overall sustainability on the farm using new to the farm practices in cropping, livestock or other innovations on farm.  

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Experimental Acres projects should aim to improve soil health, reduce environmental impact and improve climate adaptation or resiliency. Three general categories describe the majority of projects:
1) Living Roots and Green Cover - projects which extend the time soil is covered and/or has living roots in it 
2) Innovation - projects which implement new technology or systems on the farm 
3) Integrating Animals on the Farm - projects which incorporate livestock into crop systems 

The program is designed to de-risk the learning season of a new practice by providing financial support of up to $3,000 as well as support for designing the trial and accessing mentorship and learning resources related to the project. Ultimately, the hope is that Experimental Acres can help producers prepare for larger scale implementation of their practices in the future.

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The program is extremely flexible. It aims to attracts producers of all operation sizes and experience levels, and is open to all types of agricultural production. Whether someone would simply like to try implementing cover crops for the first time, or has a completely novel and never-before-tried idea, we'd like to hear about it! 

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Please note: Experimental Acres does not fund practices already being carried out on farm, expenses involved with normal start-up of a farming business, or the costs of livestock, labour or day to day production. (For example, feed that would be purchased for livestock regardless of whether an experiment was taking place cannot be claimed as an expense through the program.) Applications from first time participants are strongly encouraged, as a program objective is to promote innovation across Grey County producers.

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Applications are evaluated based on: 

• Feasibility - Is it a feasible project with a realistic budget and can it be completed in the timeline projected?

• Measurability - Are there measurable outcomes identified? 

• Climate change mitigation - Does it aim to improve climate resilience?

• Replicability - Can the practice be replicated on other farms? 

• Experimental Nature - Is it new to you? 

• Innovation - Is it a novel or innovative practice within the agriculture sector? 

• Alignment with one or more of the following:

  • Keeping Roots in the Ground

  • Maintaining Green Cover

  • Integrating Animals into the Rotation

  • Reducing Mechanical Intervention

  • Increasing Biodiversity

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Please reach out to Emily at info@greyagservices.ca or 519-986-3756 if you have any questions about the program or application process.