Eco-friendly methods cover cropping, nitrogen management, and rotational grazing get support recently received support from the government to help them continue to protect the land while ensuring food production.
To assist farmers, the government is adding $300 million to the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF). This program helps farmers apply sustainable practices to combat climate change and improve farm productivity.
Thirteen organizations will oversee fund distribution, including Manitoba Métis Federation, Perennia Food and Agriculture Inc., and L'Union des producteurs agricoles. These groups will assist farmers in implementing climate-smart strategies.
The program prioritizes three key areas:
- Cover Cropping: Planting non-harvested crops to prevent erosion and enrich the soil.
- Nitrogen Management: Optimizing fertilizers and using legumes to maintain soil and water quality.
- Rotational Grazing: Moving livestock efficiently to protect pastures and reduce environmental impact.
"Farmers don't need to be convinced that climate change is real – they're facing the impacts directly. They want to keep their land healthy, productive, and resilient. As a government, we're making historic investments so that we can continue to be a reliable supplier and leading exporter of world-class products. Building on other efforts already underway, I have no doubt that the On-Farm Climate Action Fund's expansion phase will strengthen the sector's long-term climate resiliency," said The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Since 2022, OFCAF has supported 7,500 farmers and improved 2.4 million hectares of farmland. The program is a key part of Canada’s climate strategy, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2035.
By providing direct support to farmers, this initiative ensures a sustainable and competitive future for agriculture.