The funding is aimed at preventing algae blooms on Lake Erie
The Essex Region Conservation Authority has received some funding to help prevent phosphorus runoff from farmer's fields which causes algae blooms.
Environment Canada has given the authority $600,000 over four years for a grant to help farmers create a 'nutrient management plan' and for plant cover crops.
Director of Conservation Services Kevin Money says this will keep the soil on land.
"Help reduce the amount of soil that runs off the field, ultimately keeps the soil in the farm field and not in the water which has a problem further down stream in terms of phosphorus getting into our water courses which causes algae bloom in Lake Erie," says Money.
The federal and provincial governments have identified a goal of reducing phosphorus by 40% in Lake Erie.
He says the duration of the grant over four years is important.
"Which is great because it provides some longevity because often farmers need to plan for these types of things going forth into the future because they make decisions in terms of what crops they put in what fields and how they manage their properties," he says.
The grant program is an extension of ERCA's Clean Water-Green Spaces Initiative that gives financial incentives for tree planting, soil erosion prevention well-capping.