Ontario Soil Network
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2019
- HeadquartersOttawa, Canada
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
Ontario Soil Network firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Ontario Soil Network
- Legal name
- Ontario Soil Network
- Website
- https://ontariosoil.net
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2019
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Ontario Soil Network industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Agricultural Extension Services
- NAICS
- Support Activities for Crop Production (11511)
- SIC
- Agricultural Services (700)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (BPAGAGAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Sustainable/Regenerative Agriculture & Conservation Practices (EDAOAOAO), Farm Technology Enablement & Data Integration Advisory (FMIS/ERP, IoT, Decision Support) (AFACAJAG), Soil Testing & Nutrient Analysis Services (AFACAKAA), Nutrient Stewardship & Soil Fertility Management (4R Nutrients, Compost, Biofertilizers) (AFAGAMAE)
Keywords
Where Ontario Soil Network is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ottawa
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Ontario Soil Network business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Partnership and Sponsorship Programs: OSN generates revenue through partnerships with corporations (e.g., PepsiCo, Great Lakes Grain, Hiram Walker), government agencies, and industry sponsors who fund soil health programs, regenerative agriculture initiatives, and farmer-led research. Partners receive access to farmer networks, MRV (Monitoring, Reporting & Verification) systems, and brand amplification through OSN events and content.
- Regenerative Agriculture Program Premiums: Through the Regenerative Grains Program, OSN facilitates premium payments to farmers (up to $35/acre) for adopting regenerative practices. While this flows to farmers, OSN's role in program design and implementation may include administrative or coordination fees.
- Event and Training Revenue: Some OSN events and partner programs charge registration fees ranging from free to $50-60 per attendee for specialized workshops, farm tours, and training sessions.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Free for farmers - basic event access |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Premium event tickets |
| Outcome Based/ Performance | Multi-year contract | Regenerative Grains Program premiums |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Ontario Soil Network product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Ontario Soil Network is a farmer-led nonprofit that mobilizes soil health knowledge across Ontario through peer-to-peer learning programs, on-farm events, mentorship, and field research initiatives. Its core offerings include the Network Challenge annual peer learning program, the FIRE Program for farmer-led innovation and R&D, the FaRM mentorship program, SHAP soil health testing, the Living Lab – Ontario research collaboration, the Soil Network Podcast, and the Regenerative Grains Program with industry partners. The network serves 150+ farmer members across 35+ Ontario counties and has impacted over 1.1 million acres through soil health practice change.
Product overview
Ontario Soil Network operates as a farmer-led knowledge and communications organization offering a portfolio of peer-to-peer learning programs and community-building initiatives. The core offerings include the Network Challenge (flagship annual peer learning program), FIRE Program (Farmer Innovation & Research Ecosystem for field trials and R&D), FaRM Program (Farm Resilience Mentorship in partnership with Farmers for Climate Solutions), and the Soil Network Podcast. Additional services include SHAP soil health testing, Living Lab – Ontario research collaboration, the OSN Road Trip event series, a members-only Member Portal, and the Regenerative Grains Program with industry partners Great Lakes Grain and Hiram Walker. OSN does not offer a software product, API, or technology platform—its offerings are entirely focused on farmer education, peer networking, and agricultural practice improvement.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- FIRE Program: Farmer Innovation & Research Ecosystem - supports farmers who want to push innovation forward through field trials, prototypes, and partnered R&D
- Network Challenge
- FaRM Program
- SHAP Testing
- Living Lab – Ontario
- The Soil Network Podcast
Products and services
- Network Challenge OSN's flagship annual program supporting peer learning, on-farm experimentation, and leadership development in soil health practices among Ontario farmers. Applications open each fall.
- FIRE Program (Farmer Innovation & Research Ecosystem) Selective, peer-led program that brings farmers and collaborators together to pilot new ideas, test agricultural assumptions, and drive meaningful practice change through focus groups, pilot projects, and partnered R&D.
- SHAP Testing Soil health assessment and testing services that help farmers understand and measure the condition of their soil.
- OSN Road Trip Annual multi-day cross-provincial farm tour featuring farm visits, field demonstrations, and networking opportunities across different Ontario regions, showcasing diverse soil health practices.
- Regenerative Grains Program Collaboration between Great Lakes Grain, Hiram Walker & Sons Limited, and OSN supporting Ontario corn growers in adopting regenerative practices and biodiversity preservation, with premiums up to $35/acre.
- FaRM Program (Farm Resilience Mentorship Program) Mentorship program delivered in partnership with Farmers for Climate Solutions that connects farmers with mentors and resources to build farm resilience through climate-smart practices.
- Living Lab – Ontario Five-year innovation project bringing together farmers, organizations, researchers, and experts to co-develop, test, and evaluate beneficial management practices (BMPs) that address climate change in cropping systems.
- The Soil Network Podcast (Combines & Coffee) Monthly podcast featuring candid conversations with Ontario farmers, agronomists, and soil health advocates sharing real experiences, innovative ideas, and practical lessons from working the land. Hosted by Ian Virtue.
- Member Portal Members-only online portal providing access to exclusive resources, member contact information, and coordination tools for OSN participants.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 75% of OSN members reported that participation motivated them to adopt BMPs, introduced new innovations, and improved existing soil health practices
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Ontario Soil Network
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Ontario Soil Network technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Ontario Soil Network partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.
- Great Lakes GraincoreGreat Lakes Grain leads implementation of the Regenerative Grains Program, a collaboration with Hiram Walker and OSN supporting Ontario corn growers in adopting regenerative practices and biodiversity preservation. The program offers premiums up to $35/acre for practices including cover cropping, reduced tillage, 4R nutrient practices, and biodiversity installations.
- Hiram Walker & Sons Limited (Pernod Ricard)coreHiram Walker & Sons Limited (Pernod Ricard) partners with Great Lakes Grain and OSN on the Regenerative Grains Program, supporting Ontario corn growers in adopting regenerative practices and biodiversity preservation. Focuses on securing ingredients in current supply sheds by investing in practices that improve farm resilience.
- PepsiCocoreOSN and PepsiCo co-developed a Positive Agriculture program for corn growers in southwestern Ontario, combining cultural, agronomic, and financial supports to accelerate regenerative practices. OSN's role includes community engagement, peer learning facilitation, and piloting data collection systems for long-term MRV. PepsiCo invests in verified environmental outcomes from OSN farmers including soil health, water quality, emissions reductions, and biodiversity.
- University of GuelphmajorFounding sponsor and research partner. The OSN was evaluated in research conducted in collaboration with University of Guelph, examining the role of farmer-led networks in advancing soil health BMPs. Dr. John Lauzon participates in OSN events providing research and evidence perspective.
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)majorFounding sponsor and government partner. OMAFRA-funded research through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance supported evaluation of OSN's impact on BMP adoption. OMAFA specialists participate in OSN events and panels.
- Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO)majorEFAO and OSN collaborate on programs including the Adaptive Nitrogen Trials and farmer-led research initiatives. Both organizations share a focus on farmer-driven innovation and sustainable agriculture practices in Ontario.
- Farmers for Climate Solutions (FCS)majorOSN partners with FCS on the Farm Resilience Mentorship Program (FaRM) and Adaptive Nitrogen Trials. FCS programs support farmers in adopting practices that reduce emissions and build resilience, aligned with OSN's soil health focus.
- Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA)majorFounding sponsor and co-program partner. OSCIA recognizes OSN events as Knowledge Sharing Events (KSE) for farmers with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) projects in categories including Cover Cropping, Nitrogen Management, and Rotational Grazing.
- Conservation Authorities (Multiple)supportingOSN partners with conservation authorities across Ontario including Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, Essex Region Conservation Authority, Maitland Valley Conservation Authority, and others for regional events, field tours, and BMP demonstration programs.
- Griffith FoodssupportingEvent partner for OSN events including the Corn & Wheat Field Day, supporting farmer education and industry connection.
- Parrish & Heimbecker (P&H)supportingEvent partner for OSN events including the Corn & Wheat Field Day, connecting with farmers and supporting supply chain sustainability initiatives.
- IngredionsupportingEvent partner for OSN events including the Corn & Wheat Field Day, supporting farmer engagement and sustainable sourcing programs.
- Upside RoboticssupportingUpside Robotics partners with OSN for events demonstrating autonomous robots for nitrogen management in corn. The technology is tested in OSN trials and showcased at field days.
- Greenbelt FoundationmajorFounding sponsor and research partner. The Greenbelt Foundation funded soil health research including the Business Case for Soil Health report, which quantifies economic benefits of soil health practices for Ontario farmers.
- Government of CanadamajorFounding sponsor representing federal government support for agricultural innovation and sustainability initiatives.
- Grain Farmers of OntariomajorFounding sponsor and commodity organization partner. GFO supports research, provides resources, and collaborates with OSN on farmer education and best practice adoption.
- Dairy Farmers of OntariosupportingFounding sponsor representing Ontario's dairy industry and supporting sustainable agriculture practices.
- Province of OntariomajorFounding sponsor representing provincial government support for agricultural innovation and soil health initiatives.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Ontario Soil Network competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Greenbelt Foundation: Ontario-based charitable foundation funding soil health research and education (including OSN's Business Case for Soil Health report). Comparable in nonprofit-driven soil health knowledge mobilization across Ontario, though Greenbelt focuses more on land-use policy than farmer peer networks.
- Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA): Provincial farmer-led organization delivering soil health programming, cost-share funding administration, and on-farm climate action support to Ontario farmers. OSCIA is both a founding sponsor of OSN and a parallel delivery channel for similar BMP programming, making it a direct comparable.
- Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO): Ontario-based farmer-led nonprofit advancing ecological and regenerative farming through peer learning, farmer-led research, and events. EFAO is explicitly an OSN programming partner (Adaptive Nitrogen Trials), making it the closest organizational peer in mission and model.
- Soil Health Institute: US-based nonprofit driving soil health research, measurement protocols, and adoption initiatives across North American agriculture. Comparable in mission focus on soil health practice adoption, measurement/MRV, and bridging research with farmer-facing implementation.
- Soil Health Partnership (Truterra/NCGA): Public-private partnership (now housed within Truterra, the sustainability arm of the National Corn Growers Association) advancing soil health measurement and BMP adoption on US corn acres. Comparable in connecting CPG/supply-chain sustainability goals with farmer-level soil health data and MRV.
- Practical Farmers of Iowa: Farmer-led nonprofit running field days, on-farm research trials, and peer learning programs for row crop and livestock farmers. Highly comparable operating model to OSN (farmer-led, event-driven, on-farm trial networks) though at larger scale and longer tenure.
- Farmers for Climate Solutions (FCS): Canadian farmer-led coalition advancing climate-smart agriculture policy and programs, including the FaRM mentorship program co-delivered with OSN. Comparable in farmer-led advocacy model, climate-focused programming, and partnership-driven funding approach.
- Midwest Cover Crops Council: Multi-state US/Canadian council advancing cover crop adoption through research, decision tools, and farmer-extension resources. Comparable in addressing one of OSN's core practice areas (cover cropping) and bridging research with farmer practice change.
Regional players
- Regeneration Canada: Canadian nonprofit promoting regenerative agriculture through education, storytelling, and a national network of farmers and allies. Comparable in regenerative agriculture focus and stakeholder convening role, but broader geographically and less Ontario-concentrated than OSN.
Broad incumbents
- American Farmland Trust: Large US national nonprofit protecting farmland and promoting regenerative practices through farmer programs, research, and policy advocacy. Comparable in soil health / BMP adoption focus and corporate partnership-driven funding model, but operates at significantly larger scale and broader scope.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Ontario Soil Network social profiles
Digital presenceOntario Soil Network financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Ontario Soil Network leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Ontario Soil Network funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Ontario Soil Network M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Ontario Soil Network
What does Ontario Soil Network do?
Ontario Soil Network is a farmer-led nonprofit that mobilizes soil health knowledge across Ontario through peer-to-peer learning programs, on-farm events, mentorship, and field research initiatives. Its core offerings include the Network Challenge annual peer learning program, the FIRE Program for farmer-led innovation and R&D, the FaRM mentorship program, SHAP soil health testing, the Living Lab – Ontario research collaboration, the Soil Network Podcast, and the Regenerative Grains Program with industry partners. The network serves 150+ farmer members across 35+ Ontario counties and has impacted over 1.1 million acres through soil health practice change.
Is Ontario Soil Network a public or private company?
Ontario Soil Network is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Ontario Soil Network founded?
Ontario Soil Network was founded in 2019. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Ontario Soil Network based?
Ontario Soil Network is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Ontario Soil Network make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Partnership and Sponsorship Programs are the primary driver. The others are regenerative Agriculture Program Premiums and event and Training Revenue.
Who are Ontario Soil Network's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Greenbelt Foundation, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO), Soil Health Institute, Soil Health Partnership (Truterra/NCGA), Practical Farmers of Iowa, Farmers for Climate Solutions (FCS) and Midwest Cover Crops Council. Regeneration Canada is listed as a regional player. American Farmland Trust is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Ontario Soil Network have an API?
No public API is recorded for Ontario Soil Network.
What industry is Ontario Soil Network in?
Ontario Soil Network's product category is Agricultural Extension Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAGAI, Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems, with a secondary code of EDAOAOAO, Sustainable/Regenerative Agriculture & Conservation Practices. Its NAICS code is 11511 and its SIC code is 700.