Cultivating Collaboration: Building effective partnerships for farm climate change resiliency and stewardship success in Peel Region, Ontario

In 2004, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Credit Valley Conservation Authority, and Peel Region partnered with local agricultural organizations and the Peel Agricultural Advisory Working Group to create and deliver the voluntary Peel Rural Water Quality Program (PRWQP). The program provides technical support and funding opportunities for 18 agricultural best management practices, grouped into benefit streams focused on reduced risk to water quality and ecosystem health, habitat creation and farm resilience, and reduced sedimentation and erosion potential. Ultimately, the aim of the PRWQP is to build farm climate resiliency and sustainability through protecting, restoring, and enhancing water, air, soil, and habitat quality. Building on years of success, partners collaborated with ALUS Canada to develop and deliver the ALUS Peel Pilot, which provides annual payments for sustaining best management practice projects. Since 2004, PRWQP has worked with 95 farms and contributed over $5.3 million toward 246 projects, including manure storage, livestock fencing, tree planting, and land restoration. The agricultural community-based partnership has built a strong rapport between conservation authorities and farmers, enhancing sustainability, soil health, water quality, and climate resiliency while fostering trust and camaraderie.