In 1998, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada provided $2.5 million for the NSWCP. This 2 year program was the precursor to the Agricultural Environmental Stewardship Initiative. The goal of this national program was to advance the environmental sustainability of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector in Ontario through four components: increasing the understanding of agriculture, agri-food and the environment; promoting environmental and resource stewardship; developing innovations and solutions; and seizing market opportunities.

The Agricultural Adaptation Council formed a partnership with the Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition to administer and deliver the NSWCP funds. A total of 41 projects were approved. The priority areas for the NSWCP program were nutrient management, marketing environmental initiatives, water quantity, surface and ground water quality, soil management, endangered species and food industry environmental issues.

Detailed information about completed projects is available by contacting the Agricultural Adaptation Council