Investors are buying up Canada’s farmland. Some farmers are getting worried
It’s not unusual for a motorist to greet Gerry Reid with a middle finger while Reid is driving his tractor down the road in Mono, Ont. In the last decade or so, the farming community 80 kilometres northwest of downtown Toronto has changed, says Reid, 78, who blames big investors for what he sees as […]
Save the microbes? The world’s smallest species may soon get protections.
PHOTOGRAPH BY JON G. FULLER, VWPICS/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
Tackling Microplastic Pollution in Soil: The Role of Metabolites
The global food system is under siege from a less visible but highly pervasive pollutant—microplastics. Increasingly, these tiny plastic fragments infiltrate our soils, particularly through fertilizers, threatening soil health, plant growth, and, ultimately, food security. Recent research highlights the alarming extent of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils, stemming primarily from the use of organic fertilizers […]
Is it Time to Get Out of Big Tech? – It’s Not Going to Feed Us in the Future
For the past two decades, Big Tech has dominated headlines, portfolios, and market valuations. These companies have transformed our daily lives, reshaped industries, and delivered remarkable returns to investors. But as we hurtle toward a future defined by environmental crises, one question becomes increasingly urgent: can Big Tech feed us, protect our soil, or secure […]
Soil Degradation: A Looming Crisis for Food Security.
Is SmartSoil the Regenerative Solution? Soil degradation has emerged as a critical challenge to global food security. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), approximately one-third of the world’s soil is already degraded, with this trend accelerating due to unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation, and climate change. This loss of fertile soil is a direct […]
The Hidden Crisis Underfoot: How Soil Degradation Threatens Our Grocery Bills
As we stroll through the aisles of our local grocery stores, most of us don’t think twice about where our food comes from—or the fragile ecosystems that make it possible. However, a growing crisis in soil health is set to ripple through the food supply chain, potentially increasing grocery prices and threatening global food security. […]
How Soil Degradation Impacts Food Security and Grocery Prices
Soil health is the cornerstone of agriculture, but degradation threatens its ability to support crop production. As global food demand increases, declining soil productivity could lead to higher grocery prices and food shortages. What Causes Soil Degradation? Intensive Farming: Overuse of fertilizers, pesticides, and monocropping depletes nutrients. Deforestation: Tree removal causes erosion and loss of […]
Farmers encouraged to keep Senate soil study prominent
Championing Soil Health: Insights from Canada’s Senate Study Soil is the lifeblood of agriculture. It feeds our crops, nurtures ecosystems, and supports the livelihoods of farmers across the globe. Yet, this essential resource often goes unnoticed, overshadowed by discussions of technology, climate change, and market dynamics in the agricultural sector. Recognizing this, Canada’s Senate has […]
Caring for soils: measure, monitor, manage
Our planet’s survival depends on the precious link with soil. Over 95 percent of our food comes from soils. Besides, they supply 15 of the 18 naturally occurring chemical elements essential to plants. However, in the face of climate change and human activity, our soils are being degraded. Erosion disrupts the natural balance, reducing water […]
World Soil Day 2024: SmartSoil’s Commitment to Restoring Earth’s Foundation
Every year on December 5th, World Soil Day reminds us of the silent yet essential work that soil does to sustain life on Earth. This year, the theme is “Soil Health for Sustainable Development,” spotlighting the urgent need to restore soil quality, which has suffered under decades of industrial agriculture, deforestation, and climate change. Soil […]