The Living Laboratories Initiative is an innovative research approach that focuses on bringing farmers, scientists, government, and other partners together to co-develop, test and implement relevant science-based management practices and technologies, in a “real life” context.
Living Labs-Atlantic based in Prince Edward Island includes 8 Best Management Practices (BMPs) along with 5 supporting activities to address critical agri-environmental issues that were identified by farmers and project partners.
The BMP’s mainly focus on…
- Combating nutrient losses due to soil erosion and measuring impact on receiving waters;
- Fertilizer applications for better nutrient management;
- Conservation of soil organic matter;
- Optimize water usage for supplemental irrigation in the face of climate change challenges.
This initiative allows researchers to work directly with farmers in our local fields and waterways to test and evaluate innovative practices and technologies. These innovations are tested in real time context and using accurate research to provide better information for decision making and advancing farming practices.
A rigorous soil and water sampling program is being followed for each BMP to measure the impacts of change on land, water and atmosphere. Ultimately, our goal is to build a stronger agroecosystem.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced in October 2018 that Living Lab-Atlantic would be the first to lead the Living Laboratories Initiative in Canada. In recognition of the collaborative research approach used since 2015, the East Prince Agri-Environment Association (EPAA) has been chosen as the lead organization for the external component of Living Lab-Atlantic.
EPAA has been working alongside Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada (AAFC) researchers and other partners to coordinate the co-development process and identify the priority agri-environmental issues for Atlantic Canada. Together with all of our partners, we developed an evolving set of research projects that incorporates natural, economic and social sciences.
The following partners are committed to contributing to the Living Lab – Atlantic Pilot project:
