3 reasons P.E.I.'s soil is in decline

Jan 04, 2018

A 20-year study of soil health on P.E.I. is showing an overall decline in organic matter.

The study was launched by the provincial Department of Agriculture in 1998. Over the course of three-year cycles soil samples have been taken from 600 sites around the Island and compared over the years.

"Our general soil health is starting to decline, so obviously it is a major concern," said Barry Thompson of the provincial Agriculture Department.

"What we're doing is not only are we kind of having a drop in organic matter, we're actually losing our water-holding capacity."

Agriculture Canada researcher Judith Nyiraneza identified three main causes for the decline.

Increased erosion in heavy rain events.
A declining number of livestock operations, providing less manure for the soil.
Frequent tillage.

"This is an average," said Nyrianeza of the trend.

"There may be some farmers who are doing better and some who are doing worse than the overall trend."

Source : CBC

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.