Soil

Soil is the foundation of agriculture, the source of our food and thus our most precious resource.

The NFU calls for policy and programs that protect, conserve and enhance the soil. This includes education and incentives for farmers to practice good soil conservation. The NFU is concerned about the effects of leaching, salinization and pesticide residues on the soils and the impact on farm land from changing water tables, and the effect of using multiple chemicals. Erosion-prone soils should not be cultivated. Such soils could be used as woodlots, forage, or pasture.

Pasture and forage-based livestock needs to be encouraged for conservation of the soil and for increasing and/or maintaining carbon in pastures, hay land and forest land. Farmers, governments, and consumers must co-operate to create viable and sustainable farming methods and technologies that improve the quality of the soil, water, and air.