Canadian Grain Producers has released a series of policy recommendations to the government to support Canada’s grain sector in its Pathway to 2050 sustainability initiative.
This policy recommendation calls for governments to work with grain farmers to increase investment in public and private breeding research, expand eligibility criteria and funding for current climate change programs, and develop data management strategies. This will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
“Faced with the urgent need to feed more people, tackle climate change and keep grain farms profitable, Canadian grain producers are leading the way with innovative sustainable practices. These efforts not only reduce carbon emissions, but also play an important role in meeting Canada’s climate change goals,” said Grain Growers Chairman and Alberta farmer Andre. Harp made the announcement as part of an April 9 announcement coinciding with the annual Grain Week advocacy efforts. This week’s location is Ottawa.
live: #Roadto2050 Policy recommendations presented by GGC’s Andre Halp and William Van Tassel in the Parliamentary Press Gallery. Explore the future of Canada’s grain sector. Full release here: https://t.co/PK3biW71U6 https://t.co/TciUK1QSEi
— Canadian Grain Growers (@GrainGrowers) April 9, 2024
The organization, which represents 14 national, provincial and territorial agricultural organizations, says Canada’s grain sector has already made considerable progress over the past two decades in increasing production while maintaining stable greenhouse gas emissions. It states that As a result, GHG emissions intensity was reduced by 50% from 1997 to 2017, exceeding his 36% reduction for the entire Canadian economy over the same period.
“For decades, grain farmers have been at the forefront of sustainability, making Canada a world leader in grain production with the lowest possible emissions.” said William Van Tassel, the association’s first vice president and a Quebec farmer. “However, strengthening our competitiveness and addressing emissions reductions will require significant increases in research and development investment. These investments are essential to overcome current obstacles and take advantage of future opportunities. is.”
The document published on Tuesday includes the following policy recommendations for the government:
- Establishing Canada as a global leader in agricultural investment and innovation
- Expanding public and private plant breeding research
- Expanding research on agricultural practices
- Expansion of mechanical research
- Continued expansion of rural mobile phone networks and broadband
- Fostering a supportive legislative and regulatory framework
- Constructively recognize, publicly support and reward the progress of grain producers
- Expand eligibility criteria and funding for current climate change programs
- Develop tax incentives to bridge the financial gap between old and new technologies
- Reinvesting in local agricultural extension services
- Supports Crop Board programs and facilitates knowledge transfer across Canada
- Develop a comprehensive approach to the development and use of data and metrics
- Developing a data management strategy
Although the policy recommendations refer to reducing emissions, the document does not include the term ‘net zero’. 2022 “Road to 2050” project startswhen specifically described as an initiative aimed at supporting the Government of Canada’s efforts towards its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.
“Grain farmers stand ready to work with governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing production to meet growing global food demand,” Harp said. “It is clear that there is no one-size-fits-all approach across Canada, but by working together we can ensure this sector continues to be part of the solution.”
Related: Canadian grain producers launch ‘Pathway to 2050’ net-zero initiative
