SECTOR
PROGRAMS
Agricultural development and the development of the NWT agri-food system is critically important. The TAA takes a whole of system approach and develops and delivers programs through collaboration and partnerships, stakeholder engagement and resilience and a social justice lens while recognizing that economic viability is an essential underpinning.
Ongoing Sector Programs
Soil Testing​
One of the best ways to understand what is going on in your field, market garden, or greenhouse is to get your soil tested.
The NWT Soil Testing Program is funded by the GNWT under the Sustainable Agricultural Partnership program. This Program covers the cost of a soil test for:
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NWT farmers and market gardeners who are selling products to customers or have entered into small scale agricultural activities with an intention to retail their produce.
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NWT Community Gardens
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The standard analysis test includes:
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nitrogen (N),
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phosphorus (P),
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potassium (K),
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sulphur (S)
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pH,
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electro conductivity, and
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organic matter.
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Soil testing is limited to ONE test a year.​​​ Email research@nwtagrifood.ca or phone 867-447-3663 (FOOD) to discuss your commercial soil test. You will be instructed on how to sample your soil and pack it for shipment to us.
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Farmer Led Research
Click on the image above to view a PDF explaining the projects first year plan.
We are currently developing a Farmer Led Research program to encourage and support local farmers, growers and producers to identify their own research themes and conduct growing tests. The resulting data will be shared and add to the developing NWT food production public knowledge base. Each year, farmers will be invited to share their research ideas to a selection committee comprised of sector members,. Selected projects will then work with our in house research coordinator to develop trials and collect information. Final results will be shared at an annual Farmer Researcher Network meeting.
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The first call for research ideas will be for the 2026 growing season.
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If you would like to be added to the Farmer Researcher Network, please send an email with your name, what crops/livestock you grow and your contact information to research@nwtagrifood.ca.. Membership is limited to those actively growing food in the NWT. Priority is given to commercial and community garden projects.
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