On-the-farm with On-Farm Climate Action Fund: Setting an example in the adoption of agri-environmental practices

In Quebec’s agricultural landscape, some stories stand out because of their combination of tradition, innovation, grit and resilience. André Lussier and his family farm, Ferme Helyon, are a good example. André and his farm exemplify agriculture that is continuously evolving and focused on the future, with the ongoing transformation of the family business, and André’s involvement in agri-environmental advisory clubs and his adoption of beneficial management practices.

From hog farm to field crops: a thoughtful transition

André started his family farm on land owned by his in-laws. Over the years, the family gradually acquired all 215 ha and built a 2,900-head hog operation. Two years ago, they reached a turning point, and the hog business and part of the land were sold. With that, a new focus on field crops began.

Today, the business concentrates on growing commercial corn and wheat, as well as seed peas and soybeans. The change was not just for economic reasons, but also for family ones. When André’s son decided not to take over the farm, André chose to slow down and rethink his business model, adapting it to family realities.

A driver of innovation

André Lussier and his family

Farm producer André Lussier is a proud participant in the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund program, launched in 2021. With its $704.1 million budget, this Canadian program aims to support farmers in adopting beneficial management practices to fight climate change.

In Quebec, the program is run by the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) through its Agrisolutions climat (in French only) project, which is managed by the Conseil pour le développement de l’agriculture du Québec (CDAQ), in partnership with the Producteurs de grains du Québec (PGQ). The goal is to provide concrete support to farmers in their transition to resilient, sustainable agriculture that is adapted to new environmental realities.

Two priorities: nitrogen and cover cropping

André Lussier chose to concentrate on two program areas:

1. Improving nitrogen management practices to reduce the farm’s dependence on chemical fertilizers, while optimizing crop yields and sustainability
2. Using cover cropping to protect the soil and enrich it for subsequent seeding operations.

In 2024, he implemented several beneficial management practices:

• Reducing total inorganic nitrogen inputs by introducing cover cropping on 49.7 ha of field crops
• Participating in nitrogen testing for field crops—specifically, grain corn—to optimize fertilizer amounts
• Planting cover crops on 33.6 ha of field crops to improve nutrient retention and soil structure.

These methods help to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, promote carbon storage and improve the health and biodiversity of soils, all while increasing profitability. A win-win situation across the board!

A process rooted in experience and experimentation

Soil health had already been on André’s radar for more than 30 years, due notably to his use of green manure. He saw the program as an opportunity to further improve his practices, while receiving financial support. A carbon footprint conference was the spark. After discovering that, as a farmer, he was a net emitter of GHGs, he decided to work towards becoming carbon neutral.

The program has allowed him to experiment with different approaches, such as clover intercropping, by limiting the risks involved in trying out new techniques. As the president of his local agri-environmental advisory club, André is well informed about emerging practices and eager to share what he has learned with other producers.

Practices that are good for the soil and for the planet

André has implemented a number of beneficial management practices on his farm. His main goal is to increase organic matter in the soil, to make it more resilient to climate hazards. Green manure is a sustainable solution for enriching the soil.

Nitrogen management is also a primary concern for André. By using cover cropping and testing different rotations, he has been able to retain nitrogen in the soil and reduce his fertilization needs in subsequent years. This not only protects the environment, but results in substantial savings.

Among André’s initiatives, seed pea and soybean production is particularly noteworthy. These crops not only meet a local demand, but have allowed André to explore new rotations and better manage nitrogen inputs. Although he has faced many challenges, such as pulse crop diseases and the need to space pea and soybean crops over several years, he has learned valuable lessons in the process.

A concrete impact on profitability

The results were not long in coming. By adjusting the nitrogen rates for his corn, André has managed to optimize yields, while cutting costs and shrinking his carbon footprint. He has also reduced his operating and maintenance costs by adopting direct (no-till) seeding, which lessens the need for heavy machinery. For André, environmental effectiveness goes hand in hand with economic viability.

A change agent

André wants to continue his involvement in the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) program. He sees it as an essential tool to help him experiment, adapt to climate change and improve his business’s overall performance.

Like André Lussier, you can help fight climate change by adopting beneficial management practices on your farm. The OFCAF program has been extended to 2028 so it can continue to support farmers’ efforts. Keep an eye on the program’s intake periods.