A recent report from the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry highlights recommendations aimed at improving soil management practices, but industry experts say only actionable steps will drive true change.
Amid rising production costs, diminishing net returns, and unpredictable environmental challenges, soil health continues to be at the forefront of industry concern. The urgent need to protect this invaluable resource is underscored in the new study Critical Ground: Why Soil is Essential to Canada’s Economic, Environmental, Human, and Social Health.
It’s a good start, says Dale Overton, CEO of Overton Environmental Enterprises Inc — but in order for significant change to occur, it’s critical that the recommendations translate into practical action.
“Costs of production are going up year after year and net returns are diminishing—so by understanding how to use the soil and natural processes as a resource, farmers can reduce inputs, maintain yield potential, and put more money back in their pockets,” he says. “Government can be a driver for change, be it through regulation, providing incentives through rebates, and funding research/industry associations.”
As long as that funding is directed to projects that provide tangible solutions. The Senate committee’s recommendations provide a robust framework for improving soil health, including designating soil as a strategic national asset and promoting coordinated data collection on soil health. But Overton isn’t convinced this is enough to move the needle.
“Don’t get me wrong, these recommendations are important for general understanding, but I don’t see the practical side to them,” he says. “Farmers need solutions to make change.”
Focus on Practical Solutions
At Overton, some of this work is already underway.
“We’re conducting long-term research on how ecologically based products and practices can improve various aspects of soil health, plant health, and economics in dryland farming—with great success,” he says. “Soil is a complex ecosystem — we understand very little about these processes. If we understand how these ecosystems work, we can develop tools to help farmers.”
Gaining more knowledge about the industry’s most precious resource is also the focus of ongoing research through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, as noted in this Spud Smart article celebrating World Soil Day last month.
But more work is required — and quickly. As emphasized in the report, “We do not have another 40 years to protect and conserve soil. We must act now.”
Moving Forward
The Senate report serves as a critical first step in the national conversation about soil health, but it also highlights the need for collective action among stakeholders across the agricultural landscape. While the recommendations provide vital guidance, effective implementation and dedicated funding for research focused on practical solutions are crucial for advancing the sector.
As Overton says, “Our job is to make change easy for farmers.”
