Matt McIntosh is an award-winning agricultural journalist and sixth-generation farmer based in Essex County, Ontario. As a primary contributor to Farmtario and The Narwhal, he specializes in:
"Bring me solutions that bridge ecological science and field-level practicality."
Recent accolades include the 2022 Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation Award for environmental reporting and the 2023 Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Prize. His work directly informs provincial farming regulations while maintaining accessibility for family-scale operations.
As a sixth-generation farmer in Essex County, Ontario, Matt McIntosh brings an authentic voice to agricultural journalism. His career began organically, translating hands-on experience into impactful storytelling for regional publications before expanding to national platforms. This unique perspective bridges the gap between farming communities and environmental advocates.
"Climate change isn't a future concern for farmers – it's reshaping our planting calendars and pest management strategies today."
This 4,200-word investigation reveals how Ontario fruit growers combat climate volatility through microbial soil amendments. McIntosh documents a three-year case study comparing traditional vs. regenerative approaches, featuring surprising data on pathogen resistance in heirloom rootstocks. The piece sparked provincial funding for soil health initiatives, cited in 12 municipal agricultural policies.
Blending ecological research with commercial fishing narratives, this multimedia report exposes loopholes in Great Lakes biosecurity protocols. McIntosh's embedded reporting aboard research vessels captured rare footage of invasive species monitoring, while his analysis of cross-border policy gaps influenced bilateral fishing regulations.
This two-part series dissects Canada's push for nitrogen fertilizer independence post-Ukraine invasion. Through interviews with 43 industry stakeholders, McIntosh reveals how transportation bottlenecks and ammonia production costs undermine food security goals. The work is now required reading in three agricultural economics programs.
McIntosh prioritizes stories demonstrating measurable ecological benefits without sacrificing farm viability. His Great Lakes carp series exemplifies this balance, showcasing both conservation efforts and commercial fishing innovations. Successful pitches should include verifiable impact metrics and stakeholder testimonials.
With deep roots in family farming, McIntosh frequently explores traditional practices adapted for modern challenges. The orchard management piece juxtaposes ancestral soil techniques with DNA-based pathogen detection. Pitches should identify specific legacy methods being revived or hybridized.
McIntosh's work often informs legislative decisions, as seen in his fertilizer production analysis cited by Ontario's Ministry of Agriculture. Ideal submissions include localized data sets, cost-benefit analyses, and clear regulatory recommendations supported by peer-reviewed research.
From drought-resistant crop rotations to AI-driven pest prediction models, McIntosh documents practical responses to environmental shifts. His Farmtario articles consistently feature tools that farmers can implement within 2-3 growing seasons.
While open to technological advances, McIntosh prioritizes solutions with proven on-farm results over theoretical applications. Pitches should include minimum 12-month trial data and address implementation costs for small-to-midsize operations.
Recognized for investigative reporting on pesticide runoff mitigation, this honor highlights McIntosh's ability to translate complex environmental science into actionable farming practices. The judging panel noted his "rare capacity to balance ecological urgency with economic realities."
Awarded for his series on carbon sequestration in no-till farming systems, this accolade underscores McIntosh's role in shaping provincial climate adaptation strategies. His work documented a 17% increase in soil organic matter across 140 test plots.
Getting soil organic matter, fertility, and pathogens under control prior to planting new or replacement orchard acres is ideal
The fight to keep grass carp out of the Great Lakes
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the pandemic and other geopolitical developments prompted Ontario policymakers and agribusinesses to invest in domestic fertilizer production
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Agriculture, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
