The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing $4 million annually over the next four years to help farmers improve soil health and promote environmental stewardship.
The Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Initiative, targeted to the southeast shores of Lake Huron and the Lake Erie basin, will provide cost-share funding.
There are three initiatives:
To identify ways producers can improve soil health, reduce run-off, and improve pollinator habitat
Modify equipment to address risks related to manure application and pollinator health
Adopt best management practices, including soil erosion control structures, cover crops, residue management, buffer and shelter strips
The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association will deliver the Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Initiative on behalf of the federal and provincial governments.
“We see the nutrient issues facing Great Lakes water quality and recognize that voluntary actions in agriculture should be part of the solution Farm families have a strong track record of committing to learn about environmental practices and contributing considerable effort to introduce necessary change. The funding announced today is welcomed by farmers and sends a clear signal that society is willing to lend a hand,” Alan Kruszel, President, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association.
Ontario farmers have completed more than 23,500 on-farm improvement projects since 2005 with support from various federal-provincial government programs.
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