Grant: Alliance Grants

Canada's agriculture sector is vital for food security and contributes $143 billion to the gross domestic product. However, farmers face significant uncertainties due to climate change, declining soil health, and current economic conditions. Agriculture generates approximately 10% of Canada's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and reducing these emissions is crucial to mitigate climate change and achieve our net zero commitments. This situation requires transformative precision agriculture (PA) practices that ensure the sustainability of Canada's agriculture sector and our food security. This project will advance the use of in-field best management practices (BMPs) to improve soil health, lower GHG emissions, enhance carbon sequestration, and optimize resource allocation through the development of innovative PA systems, technologies, and practices to increase farm profitability and lower environmental risks by implementing climate-smart agriculture practices. Guided by the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion, we have formed a team of Indigenous researchers and PA experts, including soil scientists, engineers, modelers, social scientists, data scientists, agronomists, and economists to conduct this research. Experiential learning and hands-on training of highly qualified personnel (HQP) and growers through scientific design and investigation both in the lab and field will promote sustainable agriculture practices in Canada. We will train HQP and contribute to a growing community in the emerging era of sustainable agriculture. This research will advance the adoption of sustainable agriculture BMPs and bridge modern science with Indigenous knowledge to strengthen rural life in Canada with environmental, social, and economic benefits. The application of novel technologies developed through this project will make Canada a world leader in sustainable agriculture, which will ultimately help to achieve net zero targets.