Jonathan Zettler, CCA-ON 4R-NMS likes being asked for his input.

Zettler is part of a group of Certified Crop Advisors (CCA) helping improve the Million Acre Challenge Program, put together by the Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agri-Food, known to many as CANZA.

The program offers farmers cost-sharing and agronomic support through CCAs to adopt practical, proven practices that improve soil health, protect water quality, and reduce emissions.

Farmers who participate may also be able to explore future opportunities to market the environmental outcomes they generate, such as lower greenhouse gas emissions, improved water quality, and increased biodiversity.

In February, Zettler took part in a program design workshop hosted by CANZA and the Sustainable Food Lab. The session gathered input from CCAs to help ensure the program works well for both farmers and advisors.

A supplied photo of Jonathan Zettler.

Although the program has not yet gone through a full growing season, Zettler said he likes what he has seen so far.

“The process seems fairly easy, as an agronomist or an advisor, to help farmers access funding to make improvements on their farm,” said Zettler.

He also appreciated the chance to have program design input at an early stage.

“It was a bit refreshing to have a very open conversation on program design, and I’m looking forward to seeing the outcome,” said Zettler.

“Typically, I would say that programs are built around a mandate, and the CCA or the agronomist doesn’t typically have a seat at that table. I respect that, but that does mean sometimes when people (who are) in the field see things that could be addressed, but are not able to (address them)”.

According to Zettler, a quality program meets the needs of farmers, funders and CCAs, with all three meeting their goals.

“If we can meet those three things, then to me that is a successful program,” said Zettler.

He is optimistic about the future of the program, and the CCA input opportunities.

“I’m looking forward to seeing where the rest of this process takes us for this cropping year, and for the rest of the program design process.”