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Ontario Welcomes New Living Lab to Combat Climate Change in Agriculture

  Federal Government Invests $9.2 Million in Ontario's Agricultural Climate Solutions

In an exciting development for Ontario's agricultural community, Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga, announced the establishment of a groundbreaking living lab in the province. The lead partner for this transformative initiative is the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA). With a significant investment of up to $9.2 million over five years from the federal government, the Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) – Living Labs program aims to bolster climate change responses within the agricultural sector.  

Co-developing Sustainable Practices

The living lab brings together farmers, scientists, and various stakeholders to co-develop and test beneficial management practices (BMPs) on Ontario farms. These innovative BMPs will support livestock and cropping systems, nitrogen use, manure storage, landscape management, and grazing techniques.   Nationwide Impact This program builds on the success of previous living labs in PEI, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec, with the aim of having at least one living lab in every Canadian province. The ACS – Living Labs program operates through contribution agreements, allowing for flexible project developments and funding negotiations.  

Diverse Partnerships

The first nine ACS – Living Labs, announced in 2022, are already making strides in sustainable agriculture. They are led by organizations such as Alberta Beef Producers, Alberta Conservation Association, B.C. Investment Agriculture Foundation, and more. The recent announcement of two new Quebec living labs, led by L’Union des producteurs agricoles and Les Producteurs de lait du Québec, further expands the program's reach and impact.  

Canada's Global Leadership

The concept of agroecosystem living labs was introduced by Canada to G20 Agriculture Ministers in 2018. It has since gained international recognition as a novel approach to fostering sustainable agricultural practices and technologies worldwide.   Promoting Environmental Sustainability Aligned with Canada's ambitious environmental goals, the Agricultural Climate Solutions program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45% from 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. These initiatives demonstrate Canada's commitment to environmental sustainability and resiliency in the agricultural sector.   International Collaboration In line with its global leadership, Canada will co-host the first International Forum on Agroecosystem Living Labs in Montreal, Quebec from October 4 to 6, 2023. This event will gather experts and stakeholders to discuss best practices, case studies, and challenges facing the international agroecosystem living lab community worldwide. Through collaboration and innovation, Canada continues to pave the way toward a more sustainable future for agriculture.   Sources: THX News, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada & Canadian Government. Read the full article