Governments aim to bolster agricultural productivity and sustainability

Government of Canada and Ontario Commit Over $68 Million to Support Sustainable Agriculture

Introduction

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a joint initiative by the governments of Canada and Ontario. It aims to support farmers in making their agricultural lands more productive and resilient. As part of this initiative, the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative (OASI) will receive over $68 million in funding for three programs.

Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP)

The RALP is a five-year program with a budget of $56.7 million. It provides funds to eligible farmers for projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and sequestering carbon. Examples of projects include reducing tillage, creating water retention ponds, and implementing other sustainable practices. The program aims to enhance the productivity and resilience of agricultural landscapes.

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI)

The ASI complements the RALP program by providing an additional $5 million this year. It supports farmers in modifying and adapting their equipment and operating practices to improve sustainability. The ASI aims to promote responsible stewardship of agricultural resources and encourage the adoption of best management practices.

On-Farm Applied Research and Monitoring (ONFARM) Program

The ONFARM program will receive an additional $7 million over five years to expand and enhance its activities. This program focuses on conducting applied research and monitoring on farms to improve soil health, water quality, and the effectiveness of farming best management practices. It is supported by various organizations, including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, conservation authorities, specialized service providers, and farmer cooperators.

Delivery of Programs

All three programs (RALP, ASI, and ONFARM) will be delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA). Detailed program information for the RALP categories will be available in the summer, and applications will be accepted in the fall.

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP)

The Sustainable CAP is a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal‐provincial and territorial governments. It aims to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sector. The federal government has committed $1 billion for programs and activities, while the remaining $2.5 billion is cost-shared between the federal government (60%) and provincial/territorial governments (40%). The Sustainable CAP aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supports Ontario’s Grow Ontario Strategy to increase food production by 30% over the next 10 years.

Quick Facts

• Applications for the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative will be accepted until funding is allocated or the application period closes. More information on specific best management practices can be obtained from the OSCIA.
• Additional intake periods and details about eligible projects will be communicated once finalized for the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative.
• A verified, complete, fourth-edition Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is required for funding under this initiative. Information on completing the EFP can be obtained from the OSCIA.
• Farmers in the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watershed areas are encouraged to undergo a Farmland Health Check-Up with a participating technical specialist. This check-up helps identify field-specific risks and may qualify farmers for increased levels of cost-share funding. It supports regional efforts to reduce phosphorus from farming entering Lake Erie.
• The ONFARM program is supported by various organizations and focuses on soil health and water quality monitoring, as well as examining the effectiveness of different farming best management practices.
• The Sustainable CAP prioritizes tackling climate change, environmental protection, and greenhouse gas emission reductions to ensure the long-term vitality of the agri-food sector. The RALP program is designed to help achieve these goals.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article discusses the funding provided to support farmers in making their agricultural lands more productive, which aligns with the goal of achieving sustainable food production systems.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – The article mentions projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and sequestering carbon, indicating a connection to climate action.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – The funding provided for sustainable land management initiatives, such as reducing tillage and creating water retention ponds, aligns with the goal of promoting sustainable land management.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The article mentions the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), which is a partnership between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen the agriculture sector. This aligns with the goal of enhancing the global partnership for sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 2.4: Sustainable food production systems – The funding provided aims to support farmers in making their agricultural lands more productive, which contributes to the target of achieving sustainable food production systems.
• Target 13.2: Integration of climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning – The projects funded through the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon, indicating an integration of climate change measures into agricultural practices.
• Target 15.3: Sustainable land management – The funding provided for projects such as reducing tillage and creating water retention ponds aligns with the target of promoting sustainable land management.
• Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development – The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a partnership between different levels of government to strengthen the agriculture sector, contributing to the target of enhancing the global partnership for sustainable development.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No, the article does not mention or imply any specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: grocerybusiness.ca

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