By Alice McFarlane

Consultations begin agriculture’s environmental sustainability

Dec 12, 2022 | 4:54 PM

MELFORT, Sask. – The federal government is launching consultations that will examine agriculture’s environmental performance.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced the creation of a Sustainable Agriculture Strategy where groups can develop a road map.

“The strategy will pave the way to help us sustain the livelihoods of farmers. Drawing from their expertise and best practices, we can ensure that the sector is more resilient in the face of climate change,” Bibeau said.

The strategy will focus on five priority issues – soil health, climate adaptation and resilience, water, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity.

The process will include public consultations, targeted workshops and an Advisory Committee made up of industry experts, including producers and representatives of associations and non-governmental organizations.

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Canadian Federation of Agriculture President Mary Robinson said this comes at a critical time when farmers are being asked to balance immediate financial pressures with long-term sustainability goals.

“This approach, which considers all facets of sustainability – environmental, economic, and social – is needed to ensure we can find pragmatic business solutions that support continued competitiveness and reduce the sector’s environmental footprint,” Robinson said.

The strategy would be separate from the agricultural policy framework agreements signed by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments every five years, but is seen as providing direction to future ag programs and policies.

Consultations are scheduled to take place through early 2023, with a report to published after the consultations.

A discussion document is now available for comment. Consultations run until March 31, 2023.

The newly created Advisory Committee includes:

Canada Organic Growers

Egg Farmers of Canada

Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute

Farmers for Climate Solutions

Canadian Canola Growers Association

Fertilizer Canada

Canadian Cattle Association

Fruit & Vegetable Growers of Canada

Canadian Pork Council

Grain Growers of Canada

Canadian Wildlife Federation

National Farmers Union

Canola Council of Canada

Nature United

Chicken Farmers of Canada

Pulse Canada

Dairy Farmers of Canada

Union de producteurs agricoles

Ducks Unlimited

Soy Canada

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW