Ontario is investing $3 million in the new Farm Washwater Innovation and Stewardship Efforts (Farm WISE) program to reduce phosphorus from entering the Lake Simcoe Watershed.
Eligible Holland Marsh producers can submit applications for phosphorus reduction projects that decrease runoff into the Lake Simcoe Watershed until October 5, 2025. Each project could receive up to $375,000 for enhancements.
Why it matters: The Farm WISE fund promotes the adoption of new technologies to enhance water use efficiency and treat water used for washing produce, thereby reducing phosphorus runoff into the watershed.
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“With this investment, farmers will be able to upgrade and improve the tools they have to further their productivity and sustainably feed Ontario,” said Tim Horlings, Holland Marsh Growers’ Association chair, in a release. “At the end of the day, farmers are the stewards of the land, and the Ontario Government is helping them with another piece of the puzzle to achieve their goals.”
Todd McMarthy, minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) said in the release this new fund is “just one of the ways our government is empowering communities to protect the air, land and water in Ontario for generations to come.”
McCarthy said the Holland Marsh produces more carrots, celery, onions, lettuce, and greens than any other single region in Canada.
Since 2018, the Ontario government has invested $37 million to restore and protect Lake Simcoe, resulting in a 50 per cent reduction in phosphorus from sewage treatment, reduced algae growth and the stabilization of yellow perch and warm-water fish populations. However, there are now fewer smallmouth bass, but they are larger in size.
