The purpose of the National Soil Conservation Program (NSCP) was to encourage the implementation of appropriate soil resource management practices to maximize societal benefits and sustain the long-term productivity of the soil within practical economic limits and according to the soil's capability. Economic diversification was enhanced, where applicable, within the context of soil conservation activities.

In Ontario, the NSCP had several components. The Permanent Cover Component was developed to assist in the implementation of on-farm conservation measures by providing financial incentives for farmers to retire sensitive land. The "Awareness" Program fulfilled a much needed educational aspect. The Research and Monitoring Program provided a much needed feedback on the results of current practices and developmental methodologies to provide new ones.