GGC Launch ‘Road to 2050’ Policy Recommendations

The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) has released a slate of policy recommendations aimed at getting the government to partner with grain farmers to reduce greenhouse emissions together. 

Unveiled Tuesday, the so-called ‘Road to 2050’ recommendations include increasing public and private breeding research, expanding eligibility criteria and funding for current climate programs, and developing a data management strategy. 

“Grain farmers stand ready to partner with government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also increasing production to meet a growing global food demand,” said Andre Harpe, GGC Chair. “It’s clear that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach across Canada, but by working together, we can ensure that the sector continues to be part of the solution.” 

Over the past two decades, the domestic grain sector has achieved considerable strides in environmental sustainability by maintaining stable greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while increasing production. This resulted in a 50% reduction in GHG emission intensity from 1997 to 2017 in the agriculture sector, surpassing the 36% reduction across the Canadian economy during the same timeframe, GGC said in a release. 

But challenges remain. For example, farm management systems and precision agriculture tools help growers make better management decisions that lead to climate mitigation. However, these technologies remain inaccessible without widespread cellular connectivity. 

“While good progress has been made to connect rural and remote communities to high-speed internet, more investments are needed for last-mile infrastructure and to improve the accessibility (i.e., cost) of rural broadband,” GGC said. 

For decades, grain farmers have been at the forefront of sustainability, making Canada a global leader in producing grain with the lowest emissions possible, said William van Tassel, 1st Vice Chair of GGC.  

“Yet, boosting our competitiveness and commitment to emission reductions demands a significant increase in research and development investments. These investments are essential for overcoming current obstacles and leveraging future opportunities.” 

GGC represents over 65,000 producers through 14 national, provincial and regional grower groups.