The program aimes to help Canadian farmers adopt regenerative agriculture for a resilient, sustainable food system.
At the 2025 Food Leadership Summit, the Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agri-food (CANZA) introduced the Million Acre Challenge, an ambitious initiative aimed at expanding regenerative agriculture practices across Canada.
Supported by a $7 million catalytic investment from the Weston family, the Challenge marks the first step in the family’s $50 million commitment to advancing regenerative agriculture nationwide.
The program seeks to empower farmers to adopt sustainable and economically viable farming practices that strengthen Canada’s agricultural resilience and food systems.
Developed in collaboration with Canadian farmers, the Million Acre Challenge will provide participants with targeted cost-sharing incentives to help reduce the financial risks associated with transitioning to regenerative methods.
Farmers will also receive agronomic guidance and gain access to an online portal featuring both public and private incentive programs designed to support their journey toward sustainability.
“It’s time to recognize and reward farmers for the value they create - for people, climate, and nature - through regenerative farming practices,” says Nick Betts, CANZA’s Executive Director. “The Million Acre Challenge is about everyone collaborating together, across the full value chain, to scale these practices on the ground.”
The Challenge, made possible through the Weston family’s contribution, focuses on supporting farmers in adopting change at the field level. "Farmers are core to Canadian prosperity, and our national resilience requires sustainable practices that create value across the agricultural supply chain," says Galen Weston, Chairman of Loblaw Companies Limited.
"We're proud to make this contribution to launch the Million Acre Challenge as part of our family's $50 million commitment towards regenerative agriculture in Canada."
Initially, the program is recruiting farmers from Southwestern Ontario’s cornbelt, with plans to expand across the country. Eligible regenerative practices will vary, allowing flexibility for individual farm needs.
“This Challenge will appeal to a broad spectrum of certified Ontario Corn Fed Beef producers, from early adopters to farmers just starting out on their journeys," John Baker, Director of Business Development for the Ontario Corn Fed Beef program, said.
"Ontario Corn Fed Beef is looking forward to working with the CANZA team on bringing this opportunity to our members."
For more details, visit www.CANZA.ca/MillionAcreChallenge.