Honourable senators, I rise today with great enthusiasm to draw attention to the upcoming National Soil Conservation Week taking place next week.

It is a chance to recognize the vital importance of soil conservation and sustainable land management practices for our agricultural sector, environment and future generations. It is also a week to celebrate organizations such as the Soil Conservation Council of Canada, or SCCC, the national voice for soil conservation in Canada.

The SCCC has a rich history as the face and voice of soil conservation in Canada. It was founded in 1987 after the first Senate soil health study — conducted by this very chamber — recommended the creation of a soil conservation council for Canada.

SCCC advocates for soil conservation on a national scale, and their work has been instrumental in promoting and raising awareness of soil health while facilitating communication among stakeholders to promote sustainable land use policies.

I would like to thank SCCC’s Executive Director Jim Tokarchuk and his entire team for all their hard work over many years.

Soil is a precious resource that sustains life on Earth. It is the foundation of our food production system, providing essential nutrients for crops and supporting biodiversity. However, soil erosion, degradation and the loss of soil health are significant challenges that threaten our agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

As stewards of the land, it is our responsibility to protect and conserve our soils. National Soil Conservation Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of soil conservation and to promote best practices in soil management.

Colleagues, soil conservation is not just an agricultural issue; it is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration across all sectors and stakeholders. By implementing sustainable land management practices, such as conservation tillage, cover cropping and agroforestry, we can reduce soil erosion, improve soil health and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

I would like to emphasize the critical role that farmers, landowners and agricultural organizations play in leading soil conservation efforts. Their dedication to adopting innovative practices and conservation techniques is essential for preserving our soil resources for future generations. This cannot be understated.

In addition, government support through research, education and incentive programs is crucial for promoting sustainable soil management practices and encouraging widespread adoption across the agricultural sector.

Honourable colleagues, National Soil Conservation Week is a time to reflect on the importance of soil conservation and renew our commitment to protect this valuable resource. Let’s work together to ensure that Canada’s soils remain healthy, productive and resilient for generations to come.

Thank you. Meegwetch.