continued from page 7 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER COVER STORY 8 CLIMATE GOALS The Living Lab–Ontario program is a key component of Canada’s broader climate strategy, which includes the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan. The program focuses on three main priorities: • Sequester carbon: Projects incorporating no-till, cover cropping, and establishing natural field edges such as shelterbelts and riparian zones contribute to long-term carbon storage. • Reduce GHG emissions: Many sustainable farming practices lower GHG emissions. • Provide other environmental co-benefits: These practices further include soil and water quality improvements, biodiversity safeguards, and more resilient agroecosystems. These priorities align with Canada’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, a goal that gained momentum with the Paris Agreement in 2015. As an early adopter of the net zero target, Canada has been actively pursuing initiatives across various sectors to work toward this objective. THE FUTURE OF LIVING LAB-ONTARIO The five-year program that OSCIA began in 2021 has already made great strides in achieving its goals. As for the program in review, Angela Straathof, director of research and knowledge transfer with OSCIA, notes that “2024 was a foundational year for Living Lab milestone achievement, including the start of our trial implementation and sampling, and the enhancement of key relationships among the farmer cooperators, researchers and partners. We’re looking ahead to exciting possibilities in 2025!”. Keep an eye on this program as the practical research results will shape how we farm into the future. • Free Mental Health Training for the Agricultural Community InTheKnowOntario.ca In the Know is a training tailored to the agricultural community that increases understanding of mental health and wellness, normalizes conversations about mental health, and reduces stigma. REGISTER FOR A SESSION OR BOOK A PRIVATE SESSION FOR YOUR GROUP LEARN MORE To learn more about the Living Labs program, visit Living Lab-Ontario: www.www.ontariosoilcrop.org/livinglab/ Sheep grazing cover crops.
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