From Roots to Harvest: The Scoop on Soil and Modern Canadian Farming

Paul Hoekstra, VP of Strategic Development at Grain Farmers of Ontario, and Bioenterprise SIAC Advisor, discusses Canada’s role in the global food crisis, fertilizers, farming innovations and tech, and opportunities in Canadian agriculture

By Tabitha Caswell for Bioenterprise

In the vast expanse of the agriculture industry, leaders like Paul Hoekstra are paving the way toward a more sustainable future for farming. Through a wide lens, Paul has witnessed the evolution of farming practices in Canada, and here, he shares with us his views about food security, stewardship, and sustainability. Paul also sheds light on issues surrounding fertilizers, and he discusses modern innovation and exciting technology in the ag sector.

A farmer at heart, a scientist by training, and now Vice President of Strategic Development at Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO), Paul shares his journey – a harmonious fusion of passion and knowledge.

Growing from Wholesome Roots

Paul’s story unfolds against a backdrop of an eastern Ontario farm, nurturing a childhood love for the environment and scientific exploration. Raised with an affinity for problem-solving, he harnessed this early passion and moved on to study Environmental Science at the University of Waterloo before eventually earning his PhD in Environmental Biology (Toxicology) from the University of Guelph in 2003.

Through his multifaceted career, Paul has built a strong reputation and a wealth of practical experience from roles in the private sector, consulting, and working with the government, and is now a distinguished member of the Science and Innovation Advisory Committee (SIAC) at Bioenterprise.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Paul finds immense personal satisfaction in translating scientific knowledge simply and meaningfully, for the benefit of everyone. While his work at GFO aims to serve the needs of farmers, it can also, in his own words, “drive food production and food security in a way that’s sustainable – not just for the farmer, but for society as a whole.” In this role, his commitment to bridging science and real-world farming challenges breaches the boundaries of the farm and, for him, it’s a perfect fit.