An agronomist says the world is losing soil at an unprecedented rate and farmers have a role to play to reverse the damage.
Doctor Juan Alvez spoke at the Profitable Pastures Conference in Elmwood put on by the Ontario Forage Council.
Doctor Alvez is from Uruguay and teaches at the University of Vermont.
He believes says proper pasture management is crucial for the health of the soil.
He points out some South American farmers with good pasture management are compensated through grants and low interest loans.
He advocates the more widespread use of such a system.
"I'm in favour of helping good farmers and bringing knowledge and bringing education to farmers so that they have the right tools to leave us the best soils for the next generation," says Alvez.
Alvez says good pasture management can help curb climate change because healthy soil sequesters carbon.
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Alvez says some South American farmers with good pasture management are compensated through grants and low interest loans.
[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ALVEZ-Pasture-1.mp3"][/audio]
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Alvez advocates a more widespread use of that system.
[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ALVEZ-Pasture-2.mp3"][/audio]
