Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

CFFO Blog: Agriculture Can Benefit from a Long-Term Focus on Water Stewardship

The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario is championing improved water stewardship as a key policy area that can move the Ontario agriculture sector forward. If we look at long-term challenges for agriculture, water stewardship is essential to sustainable production of food.

The CFFO believes that there are three game-changing factors that point towards the need for more thought on how farmers use water in Ontario. The first is managing the impacts of more erratic weather patterns and a changing set of climactic conditions. The second is the perception that the direction of government support for farm operations is on improving farm resiliency and long-term self-sufficiency. Finally, the high value of land in Ontario means that farmers need to consider making more improvements in productivity versus purchasing more land.

When it comes to water policy, the CFFO believes it is critical that we draw a distinction between mechanical and biological use of water. In mechanical situations, finding ways to conserve or reduce water use improves efficiency. In biological situations, using either too much water or applying too little water will result negative impacts on growth potential. Therefore, water policy for agriculture needs to focus on ensuring the right amount of water is available at the right time to produce an optimal crop. This is the key to good stewardship of our resources.

The CFFO believes there are three key activities that farmers can engage in that are related to water stewardship. The first is the widely adopted practice of farm drainage that dries the land faster for crop production. The second is extensive use of irrigation to ensure that crops receive the optimal amount of water at the right time. The third is development of retention ponds that capture water for future use and moderates the flow of water into our rivers.

The CFFO believes that triple-bottom line wins can be achieved in agricultural water policy. We believe that solutions for many social and environmental problems can be done in a way that improves the productivity of the business of agriculture in both the near-term and the long-term. We challenge the thinking that environmental issues must be approached with the stick as the greatest weapon. Instead, we believe that farming practices and environmental stewardship can move forward in lock step in many areas.

Views: 83

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Genomics and AI Programs to strengthen Canada’s agrifood sector

Protein Industries Canada announced an additional $15 million in funding to advance genomics and AI technologies bringing new tools to plant-breeders, farmers, ingredient processors and food manufacturers. Projects that will be considered could involve the development of tools that accelerate seed genetic work; supply chain optimization; on-farm information gathering; quality assurance and food safety protocols; and ingredient and food formulation. CEO of Protein Industries Canada Robert Hunter said this will enhance genetics that provide farmers with more resilient, high-performing options. “At the same time, our investment into artificial intelligence will support the development of tools that boost on-farm productivity and sustainability,” he said. “Together, these advancements—combined with our full value-chain approach—will strengthen Canada’s position as a global supplier of nutritious, functional plant-based food, feed and ingredients, while contributing to our goal of buildi

Cereals Canada provides updates on the Prairie crop

Cereals Canada has launched its Growing Season Progress Report. Cereals Canada works with provincial departments of agriculture in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba throughout the growing season to gather information on seeding, crop conditions and quality, and harvest progress for spring wheat. The information is compiled and presented in an interactive, user-friendly format with maps, provincial highlights, and links to crop reports. Historical data for the past five years is also available for comparison purposes. Global buyers use the interactive report to stay informed, according to Leif Carlson, Cereals Canada director of market intelligence and trade policy. “With most wheat acres located in the Prairies, the report provides global buyers with a glimpse into how the Canadian wheat crop is progressing, from seeding to harvest,” Carlson said. “Global customers want to be kept informed about how the Canadian wheat crop is progressing over the growing season. We make it easy f

Applications Are Now Being Accepted for the 2025 Regional Knowledge Mobilization Initiatives Funding Program

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is pleased to announce that the funding program for regional knowledge mobilization initiatives has been renewed, and applications are now being accepted. The application deadline is June 13, 2025, at 11:59 PM MT.  Funding is available for, but not limited to, events. The knowledge mobilization events eligible for funding must involve beef producers and be aligned with the Canadian Beef Research and Technology Transfer Strategy. While recurring event sponsorship is not eligible, innovative knowledge mobilization activities held independently or in conjunction with existing events will be considered.  Preference will be given to: New and innovative engagement ideas such as presenting information in a new format or demonstrating a new technology Workshops and tours related to water quality, water management and winter and summer water system choices and maintenance Demonstrations and workshops on biosecurity practices for improved calf health

Cereals Canada Launches its 2025 Growing Season Progress Report

With Canada's 2025 spring wheat crop underway, Cereals Canada has resumed regular updates to its interactive Growing Season Progress Report. The report will continue to be updated until harvest is complete across all three Prairie provinces.

WWF-Canada scaling up seed orchard program to address seed shortage across Canada

This spring, WWF-Canada is scaling up an initiative to help restore ecosystems across Canada by increasing the native plant seed supply. The organization awarded grants to 13 First Nations, organizations and businesses in five provinces to support the establishment and expansion of seed orchards — native plant growing operations that produce the locally-sourced seed needed for habitat restoration projects.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service