Content
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) is pleased to announce it has been awarded a grant from the Greenbelt Foundation for an innovative project that leverages circular economy approaches to improve soil health and boost crop yields across Ontario.
The nine-month project, titled “Feeding Ontario Sustainably: Enhancing Soil Health and Increasing Crop Yield in the Greenbelt with Beneficial Reuse of Greenhouse Waste on Water-stressed Farms,” will explore sustainable solutions for agricultural production by repurposing greenhouse waste to improve water availability and nutrient holding capacity.
Content
The project, which officially began on April 1, 2026, addresses key challenges faced by farmers in water-stressed environments while supporting long-term environmental sustainability and food system resilience in the region. It also aims to divert greenhouse waste from Ontario landfills by identifying beneficial reuse opportunities that align well with field grower practices and needs.
“We are grateful to the Greenbelt Foundation for its support of this important work,” said Jason Henry, Research Scientist at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. “This project will help advance practical, science-based solutions that support farmers, protect natural resources, and strengthen Ontario’s agri-food sector.”
The Greenbelt Foundation’s investment reflects its commitment to supporting innovative projects that enhance the environmental and economic sustainability of the Greenbelt. “Soil health is the foundation of a resilient food system.” said Edward McDonnell, CEO, Greenbelt Foundation “This project extends our work on supporting farmers in using innovative solutions to make the most of available resources while improving water use, supporting crop productivity, and reducing waste. We are proud to support research like this that advances sustainable agriculture and helps strengthen the long-term vitality of Ontario’s Greenbelt and agri-food sector.”
In addition to funding from the Greenbelt Foundation, Grodan, a supplier of soilless media for controlled environment agriculture, is contributing to the project as both an industry collaborator and funder. Grodan’s investment and involvement help ensure the research is informed by the commercial greenhouse industry, while maintaining the project’s independence and alignment with current best practices.
Yianni Monahan, Product Manager, Lifecycle North America at Grodan, says, “This project will provide important foundational research to evaluate the potential of this material as a soil amendment.”
The project aligns with the province’s ‘Grow Ontario’ strategy, by generating valuable insights into how greenhouse byproducts can be reused to improve soil health, reduce waste, and increase productivity, offering scalable solutions for farmers across the region.