Agricultural Impact Assessment

DBH Soil Services Inc. specializes in the assessment and documentation of agricultural and soil resources to support planning, environmental, agricultural, and engineering initiatives.

Our team provides expertise in the fields of soil science, environmental consulting, agricultural assessments, and land management, ensuring comprehensive solutions for every project undertaken.

In Ontario, Agricultural Impact Assessments (AIA) are technical studies used to evaluate potential impacts on agricultural operations and the broader agricultural system. They help in decision-making for development projects to ensure sustainable agricultural practices.

Agricultural Impact Assessments are essential tools that guide policy makers and stakeholders in implementing effective strategies. They aim to avoid, minimize, or mitigate negative impacts in prime agricultural areas or when expanding settlement areas.

These studies (Agricultural Impact Assessment) must be conducted by qualified professionals in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness (OMAFA) Publication 861 Agricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) Guidance Document (January 2026).

Agricultural Impact Assessment Requirements

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Soil Resouces

Soil resources are described both onsite and in the surrounding area based on OMAFA soil resource mapping and reports, or through detailed onsite soil survey and Canada Land Inventory (CLI) assessment.

Existing Land Use

Agricultural land use data is collected through site visits and roadside reconnaissance surveys. Data collected includes the identification of existing land use (both agricultural and non-agricultural), the location and type of agricultural facility/service/operation, the location of non-farm residential units, and the location of non-farm buildings (businesses, storage facilities, industrial, commercial and institutional usage).

OMAFA Tile Drainage

A review of OMAFA artificial tile drainage (random and systematic drainage systems is essential for understanding its impact on agricultural productivity and environmental management.

Agricultural Buildings and Operations

Agricultural buildings and operations are described and assessed through a review of online imagery, site visits, and/or roadside reconnaissance surveys. The assessment of agricultural buildings and operations provides valuable insights into the efficiency and sustainability of farming practices in the area.

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Agricultural Resource Potential

The overall agricultural resource potential is assessed to determine the capacity for sustainable farming and food security in the region.

Agricultural Investment

A review will be completed to determine the extent of agricultural investment in the local area for the purpose of assessing its impact on the community's economic growth and sustainability.

Assessment of Potential Impacts

The AIA will complete an assessment of potential impacts to agriculture with particular focus on the agricultural system and on how to avoid, minimize and mitigation the potential impacts. This assessment will help develop strategies that promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Minimization or Mitigation of Potential Impacts

The highest priority is to avoid placing development on prime agricultural areas (CLI Class 1-3 lands). If impacts are unavoidable, they must be minimized through design, whereby prime agricultural areas are optimized for sustainable use while preserving their vital resources. Mitigation involves adopting strategies that reduce the adverse effects on agriculture and promote agricultural sustainability.