In celebrating Earth Day, Ontario is partnering with the Government of Canada on a new soil mapping initiative that will contribute to the growing understanding of how land use patterns have changed by using new and up to date technologies.
With an investment of $5.1 million through Growing Forward 2, the new data collected by the soil mapping initiative will help farmers adjust their management practices by:
Providing data to support agricultural and environmental initiatives
Contributing information to support climate change mitigation and adaption efforts
Further protecting the quality of Ontario's lakes, rivers and streams.
Ontario will continue to work with the federal government to continue to seek a long-term funding path that would continue this important work after Growing Forward 2 program ends to ensure soil mapping is expanded to cover the entire province.
Supporting agricultural planning and environmental initiatives is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education.
The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.
Source: AAFC