Agricultural Water Futures in Canada – Stressors and Solutions

Principal Investigator: Merrin Macrae

The project will develop predictive tools, policy instruments and governance strategies to support the sustainable management of water resources in the agricultural regions of Canada. Improved understanding of how climate change will modify water supply, use and quality will improve our ability to adapt how we use water over the next several decades, and if and how this may vary across the different regions of Canada. The project will provide insights into how climate change will impact agriculture, and, which management practices and governance approaches can be implemented now and in future to ensure sustainable food supplies while maintaining healthy soil and water systems.  

Geography

Active field sites are located in Manitoba (Tobacco Creek, Brandon), Saskatchewan (Swift Current), Ontario (Thames and Grand River watersheds, Essex Region), Nova Scotia (Central Nova and Annapolis Valley). Sites will be expanded in years 4-7. 

Bottom Line

Tools and strategies to help sustain agriculture and protect water in a changing climate.

Agricultural Water Futures Project Partners

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
• Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs
• Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks
• Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
• Manitoba Ministry of Agriculture
• Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture
• Ontario conservation authorities - Upper Thames Conservation Authority, Essex Region Conservation Authority, Grand River Conservation Authority
• Deerwood Association
• Grain Farmers of Ontario
• International Plant Nutrition Institute
• Livestock Research Innovation Corporation
• Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture
• Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association