Crops rise on a hot summer day. July 4, 2020 Photo by Melanie Irwin Crops rise on a hot summer day. July 4, 2020 Photo by Melanie Irwin
Midwestern

Wellington County accepting applications for Experimental Acres program

Wellington County is now accepting applications for the 2026 Experimental Acres program.

The program was launched in 2022 and allows local farmers to try out regenerative agriculture practices on their operations.

Supports available to farmers include micro-grants of up to $3,000, soil analysis, staff guidance, peer networking, and community events.

Wellington County says that these supports are meant to "help reduce the financial and technical risks associated with trying something new."

Submissions are being accepted for projects across three key areas. Those are Crops and Planting, Animals and Grazing, and Innovation.

Farmers can apply for the program until January 16, 2026.

"Every farm is unique, and so is every regenerative approach," said Justine Dainard, Smart Cities Manager. "We work with participants to shape projects around their own goals and conditions because they are the experts on their land. We encourage farmers across Wellington County to bring forward their ideas, large or small, aimed at improving soil health, productivity, or long-term sustainability. Transitioning to regenerative practices takes experimentation, and Experimental Acres is designed to support that journey."

For more information on Experimental Acres or to apply for 2026, visit www.wellington.ca/experimentalacres.

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