Government of Canada collaborating with Ontario farmers on sustainable solutions to environmental issues

Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, kicked-off a roundtable discussion with Ontario agriculture stakeholders by announcing an investment of $4.2 million to launch Living Lab – Ontario in the Lake Erie region

“Ontario farmers are leaders in environmentally-smart agriculture and continue to find innovative practices that ensure the long-term health of their lands,” Bibeau stated. “The collaborative research approach will help Ontario farmers develop new sustainable practices that can be used by all farmers across the province and the country.” 

“Living Labs is an opportunity for some of Ontario’s most progressive and innovative farmers to connect and work with Canadian agricultural researchers”

“The framework for collaboration established by Living Labs unites partners in protecting our environment, soil, water, and land,” added Neil Ellis, Parliamentary Secretary to the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “It is inspiring to see as it provides tools for farmers and sets the stage for the road ahead, such as the Agricultural Climate Solutions program. We can do more together.”

Living Lab – Ontario is the latest collaboration hub created under the Living Laboratories Initiative, which brings together farmers, scientists, and other partners to develop, test and share innovative agricultural practices and technologies. 

“The collaborative Living Labs approach is a proven success across the country,” Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph, added. “Good things grow in Ontario and I am excited to see the results here, particularly with regards to protecting important waterways like Lake Erie, and the ongoing focus on soil health.”

Led by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), Living Lab – Ontario collaborators will include farmers, agricultural and conservation organizations, and scientists from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and other federal departments.

“Ontario farmers have long been recognized as leaders in developing and adapting farm practices that improve production and protect the environment,” said Chad Anderson, President, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. “Working together with these partners we have a unique opportunity to create and test practices that will provide farmers with solutions to enhance production and improve sustainability.”

Their research will focus on reducing the soil and nutrient runoff from agricultural land into Lake Erie, improving water quality, conserving soil health, and increasing biodiversity on agricultural lands in Ontario. They will share their expertise with farmers across Canada to help accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices and technologies.

“Living Labs is an opportunity for some of Ontario’s most progressive and innovative farmers to connect and work with Canadian agricultural researchers,” Laurent Van Arkel, President, Ontario Soil Network and Living Lab said. “Living Labs is one tool that can put Canadian agriculture on the right path to soil sustainability, improved water quality, and to potentially aid in combatting climate change.”

The Living Laboratories Initiative is part of a $70 million investment outlined in Budget 2017 to further support agricultural discovery science and innovation, with a focus on climate change, soil and water conservation, and biodiversity.