Under Section B1, point 4 it…

Under Section B1, point 4 it is stated that a new long term strategy to promote soil health and conservation is being developed. Soil health and farming impact on such is a very complicated issue. It is documented that average yields of the 3 main field crops have been increasing over the past 20 years. Yields do not increase without some attention to soil health. Farms with declining soil health tend to yield lower than well managed soils. Other trends such as decreasing average organic matter in the deep south west part of Ontario point to a potential problem that needs to be addressed. Among CCA's organic matter buildup is something we stress to clients, through improving longer term and more divers rotation strategies including the use of cover crops. Short term economics are the main barrier to making the diverse rotation strategy more popular, but smart producers recognize its value. Theory and simplistic solutions provide nice talking points, but they usually miss the mark on what works at the farm gate level.
My point is farmers tend to take soil health seriously. CCA's take soil heath and long term productivity seriously. We also recognize there is room for improvement.
Please involve ag stakeholders that have a strong background in the practical application of soil health and productivity in the process of developing the new long term strategy. These individuals have a lot of valuable experience.

[Original Comment ID: 209398]