A $50,000 commitment from the Ontario government to maintain water quality on the Great Lakes is getting the thumbs down locally. The funds will go toward Fertilizer Canada and the Ontario Agri-Business Association to develop educational programs for farmers and to promote efficient fertilizer application. Lambton Grain Farmers Chair Kevin Marriott says $50,000 is just a drop in the bucket. He adds the money is going to industry instead of farm groups. He says farmers are unlikely to use too much fertilizer because the price has skyrocketed to over $700 per tonne. [audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Kevin-3.mp3"][/audio] Marriott says to improve water quality and reduce algae blooms, the province should look at upgrading older sewer systems. He says phosphates in soaps and detergents also play a role in the formation of algae blooms.
