Pushing a National Farm Soil Strategy
Senator Rob Black is trying to protect soil, he re-affirmed that commitment when he introduced the Second Reading of Bill S-230, a National Strategy for Soil Health Act on Friday, June 13.
The bill aims to develop a national strategy for soil health protection, conservation, and enhancement.
Inspired by the 2024 Senate soil health report, the bill reflects urgent concerns about degraded soil. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, 30% of global soil is already degraded, and 90% could be degraded by 2050. This affects food production, clean water, and environmental balance.
The bill underlines soil’s role in food security, calling it a strategic national asset. It also warns against urban development on productive farmland, especially in places like Ontario, where 319 acres of farmland are lost daily.
The proposed strategy will bring together provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governments with various federal departments. The plan will include education programs, data collection, policy updates, and appointing a national soil advocate to raise awareness.
Farmers using sustainable practices such as crop diversification, no-till farming, and rotational grazing showed how soil can be renewed. These practices not only enhance soil health but also help fight climate change and support biodiversity.
If passed, the strategy will improve collaboration, data sharing, and informed soil management across Canada. This ensures healthy soil continues to support agriculture, clean water, and environmental sustainability.
Canada’s agricultural community widely supports this move, and the bill signals strong national commitment to preserving this essential resource.