In mid-December, the Canadian Government announced the launch of consultations for a Sustainable Agriculture Strategy.
The government intends for the strategy to serve as a guide to support the livelihoods of farmers while growing a sustainable sector.
It is hoped that by identifying a strategy, the farming sector in Canada will be better able to recover quickly from extreme weather events, be able to thrive in a changing climate, while continuing to contribute to world food security. It is also hoped it will contribute to Canada’s overall efforts to cut emissions.
The government recognizes that farmers have already been pro-active in several ways, and says it wants to amplify the work already underway and increase adoption of these best practices.
It is hoped the strategy will help identify and create awareness for best management practices that work to enhance sustainability.
“Farmers are on the front lines of climate change. In my home province of Manitoba, we’ve experienced two back-to-back droughts which have proved immensely challenging for farmers. We need to be strategic in how we contribute to cutting emissions, preparing for and recovering from extreme weather events. Canadian farmers work hard every day to put the best quality food on our table and we want to ensure they have the best tools to do so sustainably for generations to come,” stated Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change in a media release.
The Strategy will prioritize five key areas beginning with soil health, and also including climate adaptation and resilience, water, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity.
The Sustainable Agriculture Strategy Consultation document is available online for public input until March 31, 2023. : https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/about-our-department/transparency-and-corporate-reporting/public-opinion-research-and-consultations/share-ideas-sustainable-agriculture-strategy-discussion-document
A newly created Advisory Committee has been organized to assist develop the strategy. The Advisory Committee includes diverse stakeholders including the following organizations.
- Canadian Organic Growers
- Canadian Cattle Association
- Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute
- Canadian Canola Growers Association
- Canadian Pork Council
- Canadian Wildlife Federation
- Canola Council of Canada
- Chicken Farmers of Canada
- Dairy Farmers of Canada
- Ducks Unlimited
- Egg Farmers of Canada
- Farmers for Climate Solutions
- Fertilizer Canada
- Fruit & Vegetable Growers of Canada
- Grain Growers of Canada
- National Farmers Union
- Nature United
- Pulse Canada
- Soy Canada
- Union de producteurs agricoles