Provincial government contributing $50,000
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
In an attempt to support farmers in their efforts to maintain and improve the water quality in the Great Lakes, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is investing in a nutrient stewardship program for farmers.
The government of Ontario will provide $50,000 of funding to Fertilizer Canada and the Ontario Agri Business Association. The organizations will work together to develop and implement programs for farmers designed to educate about nutrient management.
“Ontario’s investment in the protection of our agricultural lands and vital waterways continues to be a priority, and one shared by our partners in the agri-food sector,” said Ontario Minister of Agriculture Jeff Leal in a release. “Our government sees this funding as yet another step on the path to more sustainable use of our agricultural lands, as well as the improvement and preservation of the Great Lakes.”
The programs will use the 4R Nutrient Stewardship system (Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place) as its blueprint.
“Canada’s fertilizer industry is encouraged by the Government of Ontario’s endorsement for 4R Nutrient Stewardship as an important tool to meet the province’s environmental stewardship goals,” said Garth Whyte, President and CEO, Fertilizer Canada. “We look forward to working with the Ontario government and agri-retailers to improve practices that will ensure the sustainability of the agriculture industry while enriching the health of the Great Lakes.”
Since 2005, Ontario farmers have helped in completing more than 23,000 on-farm environmental improvement projects. The projects included grass bugger strips, wind breaks, cover crops and nutrient storage. On December 19th, 2014, the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality was approved.
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