National Soil Health Strategy
The National Soil Health Strategy (NSHS) advances soil health, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience in Canada. Launched in 2022 with the SCCC and Compost Council of Canada, it unites stakeholders to support soil conservation and help meet Canada’s 2030 and 2050 climate goals.
What we've done
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What we're doing
Final Stakeholder Engagements & Feedback Confirmation: 2025
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A progress report was circulated to the original engagement session participants to update them on our activities and anticipated timelines, while asking for feedback to ensure their input has been incorporated and adjusted appropriately.
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Two general and six organization-specific engagement sessions were held with the horticulture industry and conservation associations, as they were underrepresented in attendance at the 2024 engagement session.
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The development of an approach to include indigenous viewpoints within the NSHS and starting the engagement process is still pending. Analysis of additional feedback was completed and integrated into the deliberation process.
Targeted workshops and webinars: Ongoing
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February 2025 session at the Alberta Soil Science Workshop to explore the research/adaptation interface and soil health measurement
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February 2025 webinar with the Prairies Habitat Joint Venture
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April 2025 Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops members meeting
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Two sessions were held at the July 2025 Canadian Soil Science Society (CSSS) annual meeting to understand approaches to soil health strategies in other countries and discuss options for inclusion in the NSHS.
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2026...
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Draft the Strategy: October 2025 to August 2026
Recruit subject-matter experts, strategy developers, writers, and engagement specialists to draft the strategy document and three-year work plan.
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Using the strategic framework, develop the chapter content guide.
Overarching chapters: Strategic Direction, Governance, and Communications & Engagement
Subject area priorities and actions: Education and Extension, Incentives and Resources, Evaluation and Data, Research and Education.
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Proofing the Strategy: September 2026 to January 2027:
Proof the draft strategy and 3-year action plan with key stakeholders, and amend as necessary through an iterative process. Translate all documents in preparation for Proofing the Strategy.
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Develop consensus on the NSHS and 3-year work plan through oral and written processes. This would include all relevant stakeholders (including all who were part of the engagement sessions). Establish resource requirements for the action plan and intentions of (voluntary) participation from interested stakeholders.
Launching the strategy: January 2027 to March 2027:
Develop communications materials, establish a permanent governance structure (roundtable), appoint roundtable members and hold the first roundtable meeting.​​​​​