In a landmark move signaling a shift toward sustainable agriculture policy, the Canadian Senate is advancing legislation aimed at establishing the country’s first comprehensive national soil health strategy. Bill S-245, introduced by Senator Robert Black, represents what agricultural experts are calling “the most significant soil conservation initiative in decades” as Canada grapples with degrading soil quality across its agricultural heartlands.
The legislation, which passed second reading with multi-party support, would mandate the creation of a national framework to monitor, restore, and enhance soil health—addressing concerns that have been mounting among environmental scientists and farmers alike. According to Agriculture Canada’s latest soil quality assessment, approximately 36% of the country’s prime agricultural land shows moderate to severe degradation, threatening both food security and ecosystem stability.
“Healthy soil isn’t just about better crop yields—it’s fundamentally about Canada’s environmental resilience and food sovereignty,” explained Dr. Marla Thompson, soil scientist at the University of Saskatchewan. “What makes this bill particularly important is its recognition that soil health transcends provincial boundaries and requires national coordination.”
The proposed strategy would establish nationwide soil testing protocols, create a national database for monitoring long-term trends, and fund research into regenerative agricultural practices. Perhaps most critically, it would allocate $75 million over five years to help farmers transition to soil-building farming methods.
For Ontario grain farmer Thomas Reid, the legislation couldn’t come soon enough. “We’ve been watching our topsoil thin out for three generations,” Reid told CO24 Canada News. “The changes in weather patterns are making it worse—more intense rainfall just washes away what took centuries to build. This strategy gives us both the knowledge and the financial bridge to implement better practices.”
The bill has garnered unusual cross-sector support, with environmental organizations, agricultural producers, and indigenous communities all expressing cautious optimism. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture, representing over 200,000 farm families, has endorsed the legislation, noting that soil health is increasingly linked to farm profitability in an era of climate instability.
“What’s particularly encouraging about this approach is how it balances regulation with incentives,” noted Elizabeth Chen, agricultural policy analyst at the Pembina Institute, in an interview with CO24 Business. “Rather than simply imposing new rules, it creates pathways for farmers to adopt practices that build soil carbon while improving their bottom line.”
The legislation faces challenges, however. Provincial jurisdiction over natural resources means implementation will require careful federal-provincial coordination. Additionally, some conservative critics have questioned the program’s cost and administrative complexity, suggesting that market-driven approaches might prove more effective than government intervention.
Senator Black, the bill’s sponsor, counters that the economic case is clear: “For every dollar invested in soil health, we see approximately eight dollars returned through increased productivity, reduced input costs, and environmental benefits. This isn’t just environmentalism—it’s sound economic policy.”
If passed into law, Canada would join a growing international movement prioritizing soil health. The European Union implemented its Soil Strategy for 2030 last year, while the United States recently expanded its soil health initiatives through the Inflation Reduction Act.
The bill now moves to committee study, where experts will provide detailed testimony on implementation strategies and funding mechanisms. Parliamentary observers expect the legislation could reach final vote by early 2026.
As Canada navigates competing priorities of food production, climate resilience, and environmental protection, one question emerges with increasing urgency: Can we afford to continue treating soil as a commodity rather than the irreplaceable natural capital upon which our agricultural future depends?
