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Ontario invests $9.5 million in soil data tech

The Ontario government is investing $9.5 million over the next three years to equip farmers with the technology they need to maximize the health of their soil and increase their productivity and profitability.

This new funding will help improve soil data-mapping and soil evaluation and monitoring. Soil data and interpretive maps support on‐farm decision‐making, enabling farmers to innovate and use technology to improve their long‐term viability.

“This funding will allow farmers, researchers and others to access critical data to help understand and adapt to meet the needs of soil management and health protocols province-wide,” said Lisa Thompson, minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs, in a press release. “This initiative builds on actions outlined in the Grow Ontario Strategy to support the resiliency and growth of the overall food supply sector, while providing beneficial information to understand the needs and potential of the agricultural and agri-food across the province, including northern Ontario.”

Through this investment, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) will update the province’s soil maps and information as part of its Soil Resource Inventory (SRI) work.

It will also build the Ontario Agricultural Soil Information System (OASIS). This data and information system will house, manage and analyze soil data critical to supporting farming operations. This programming aims to help farmers make better informed business and land management decisions in tending their soils for years to come.

“Our government is taking a responsible and targeted approach to support farmers, people and businesses today while laying a strong foundation for future generations,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, minister of finance, in a press release. “This investment is part of our government’s plan to strengthen our agri-food sector so that more local food can be grown here in Ontario.”