From a news release
The Ontario Soil Network (OSN) is seeking farmers from across Ontario to participate in a unique leadership and networking initiative to improve agricultural soil. Following on a successful pilot in 2017-18, the OSN 2019 program will be overseen by the Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) and will receive funding through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership) and will be supported by several agricultural organizations.
“Healthy soil is paramount to a thriving agricultural sector. Our Government is pleased to empower Ontario farmers through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, helping them to work collaboratively and learn from each other on a variety of tactics to improve soil health and increase agricultural sustainability,” said Lawrence MacAulay, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
“This is a great project that helps our farmers work together to share know-how and best practices on improving soil health in the province. Our government is pleased to support efforts to boost knowledge and innovation in the agriculture sector through the Partnership,” said Ernie Hardeman, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
“The OSN brings together farmers interested in soil sustainability and allows them to support each other by sharing ideas and experiences,” says Laurent Van Arkel, a farmer mentor that participated during the pilot of the OSN.
The network is designed for farmers who are innovating, using cover crops, reducing tillage, or using amendments and cattle to improve the soil. The OSN connects these innovators in small groups to learn from each other. Participants are also challenged and supported to be better leaders and communicators about agriculture and soil health. The 2019 leadership challenge, open to 40 farmers, will begin with a workshop on January 17-18, 2019, in Kingston, Ontario. Applications can be submitted online at the Ontario Soil Network website.
This project was funded in part through the Organization and Collaborations stream of the Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. It will receive up to $202,000 through the Partnership. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of the Partnership in Ontario.
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