OTTAWA — The Trudeau regime has set up a “fertilizer working group” to help develop a plan for “voluntary” fertilizer emissions cuts in agriculture, a plan that includes improved “measurement and tracking” of fertilizer emissions on Canadian farms.
The group — involving government officials and agricultural industry representatives — was announced in combination with the March 22 release of a repor on the government’s fertilizer consultations. Over 2,000 submissions were received between March and October 2022, and the government says the working group was established as feedback indicated a desire for better communication between government and the ag sector.
Improved tracking and measurement of fertilizer emissions is one of the three objectives set out for the group. It will also work to strengthen dialogue between industry and government, as well as look at ways to support fertilizer emission reductions through program funding and adopting beneficial management practices, according to the government.
Canadian Federation of Agriculture President Keith Currie noted that the report — titled What We Heard Report on Fertilizer Emissions Reduction — shows “a diversity of perspectives on many key issues, and we are pleased to see the report identify the importance of further engagement in advancing this voluntary approach.”
Currie said his organization was also pleased to see the report “factor in producer profitability, reflecting the need to consider emissions reduction strategies in the context of environmental, economic, and social sustainability.”
Karen Proud said her organization was pleased to see “universal support” for traditional 4R nutrient stewardship in the report. “We look forward to continuing to work with the government and producers to improve measurement and accelerate the adoption of 4R Best Management Practices, which reduce emissions and increases productivity.”
Source : Farmersforum