Limestone Program

The soils of Newfoundland and Labrador are naturally acidic and require the addition of agricultural limestone to neutralize soil acid, which can improve the efficiency of fertilizers needed for plant growth and enhance soil productivity. The increased efficiency of fertilizer through the application of limestone reduces the amount of fertilizers applied to agricultural land, thereby resulting in increased production, financial savings to farmers and reduced risk of agricultural non-point source pollution to surface and ground water. Limestone is used by most agricultural commodities in the province.

Eligibility Requirements

  • A farmer must be a recognized as a farmer, or new entrant, by the Agriculture and Lands Branch.
  • Valid institutions or agricultural societies that consist of farmers.
  • Must have a Provincial Farm Registration number (if applicable).
  • Pasture associations with acceptable farm plans and are recognized by the Agriculture and Lands Branch.

Application Process

Soil samples are required and must be submitted to the Soil, Plant and Feed Laboratory after October 1 annually to qualify for the Limestone Subsidy Program in the corresponding year.

Applicants must email the completed application form to AgrLimestoneProgram@gov.nl.ca.

For more information, please contact (709) 637-2564 or email AgrLimestoneProgram@gov.nl.ca.

Soil and Growth Media Sample Submission Form 

Application for Bulk Limestone

Fees and Payment Process

Cost to farmers: $25/tonne for bulk (plus HST) with a minimum of 32 tonnes per purchase.

Payment is due upon approval notification and is payable by cheque or credit card.

If paying by cheque, it should be made payable to the “Newfoundland Exchequer.” Please quote “Limestone Program” in the description section of the cheque and mail to the Department of Finance (see address below).

To pay with credit card, please complete the pre-authorized payment form available here and mail to the Department of Finance (see address below) or fax to (709) 729-4117.

Cheque/Credit card forms must be mailed directly to:

Department of Finance
Central Cashiers Office
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4J6

Tel: (709) 729-3042
Fax: (709) 729-4117

Cheques and credit card forms may be dropped at the drop-off box located inside the doors at the East Block, Confederation Building in St. Johns. No counter service available at this time. A receipt of payment will be mailed; however, if the applicant prefers a receipt to be issued via email, please include an email address on the credit card pre-authorization form or cheque under the signature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get limestone?

Applicants can contact their local Agricultural Development Officer, call (709) 637-2564 or email AgrLimestoneProgram@gov.nl.ca.

What are the benefits of using limestone?

Increased efficiency of fertilizer through application of limestone reduces the amount of fertilizers that need to be applied to the land, thereby resulting in increased production, financial savings to farmers, and reduced risk of contamination to surface and ground water.

How much does it cost?

$25/tonne for bulk (plus HST) with a minimum of 32 tonnes per purchase.

How much limestone will I need for my land?

Lime is recommended based on soil analysis which is conducted by the Soil and Feed Laboratory operated by the Agriculture Production and Research Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.

Who supplies the limestone?

Bulk limestone is currently being produced at a quarry in Cormack, NL.

Contact

Please contact your local Agricultural Development Officer, call (709) 637-2564 or email AgrLimestoneProgram@gov.nl.ca regarding the application, payment, or delivery of limestone.

Links

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