ALUS, a charitable organization dedicated to agricultural stewardship, has announced a significant new partnership renewal with Definity Insurance Company. The insurance provider has committed to a three-year, $1.5 million funding agreement that will substantially expand support for community-led, farmer-delivered nature-based solutions across Canada.
Strengthening a Collaborative Environmental Partnership
This multi-year agreement represents the continued growth of a collaborative relationship that began in 2023 and has strengthened as Definity deepens its investment in community-shaped environmental stewardship and rural resilience. The renewed commitment provides consistent, long-term funding that will enable farmers and ranchers to implement comprehensive nature-based solutions with greater stability and planning capacity.
Nature-Based Solutions for Agricultural Resilience
Definity's investment will directly support farmers and ranchers in implementing practical environmental projects that include:
- Restoring wetlands and native grasslands to improve water management
- Planting trees and creating wildlife habitat to enhance biodiversity
- Improving soil health through sustainable agricultural practices
- Developing projects that enhance the resilience of both land and communities
This funding supports both on-the-ground program delivery and ALUS's national data systems, which help track environmental and social outcomes across the organization's extensive network. With multi-year stability, ALUS can work more closely with agricultural producers as they implement solutions that reduce climate risk, enhance biodiversity, and benefit communities nationwide.
Community-Led Approach to Environmental Stewardship
ALUS operates through a unique community-led, farmer-delivered model where local Partnership Advisory Committees – comprised of farmers, ranchers, and community leaders – shape and approve projects based on regional priorities and landscape needs. This ensures every restored acre reflects local knowledge and produces practical, long-term outcomes that address specific environmental challenges in different regions of Canada.
Leadership Perspectives on the Partnership
Jill Weaver, Director of Partnerships at ALUS, emphasized the importance of this commitment: "Farmers and ranchers are doing some of the most important climate adaptation work in the country and this new multi-year commitment ensures they have the stable, long-term support they need. Definity's continued leadership strengthens local capacity, improves soil and water systems, restores habitat and builds resilience across our shared landscape."
Brendan Seale, AVP of Environmental, Social and Governance at Definity, explained the company's motivation: "At Definity, our purpose is to build a better world by helping our clients and communities adapt and thrive. This renewed commitment to ALUS reflects that purpose in action, helping farmers and ranchers restore ecosystems, strengthen rural resilience, and reduce climate risk. Together, we're advancing nature-based solutions and creating lasting benefits for communities across Canada."
Future Impact and Program Expansion
With Definity's substantial support, ALUS will continue to expand the delivery of nature-based solutions, advance database and reporting systems, and deepen community engagement across Canada. This funding helps advance a shared vision for strong, resilient rural landscapes and supports the farmers and ranchers who steward these vital agricultural ecosystems. The partnership represents a significant step forward in creating sustainable agricultural systems that benefit both the environment and rural communities.
