CFFO: The CFFO Supports More Flexible Environmental Regulations for Greenhouses

The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario is working on behalf of farmers to increase the flexibility they have when dealing with environmental regulations. Most recently, the CFFO submitted comments on a proposal to allow greenhouse waste water to be land applied under the Nutrient Management Act instead of seeking an Environmental Compliance Approval, if it is a better fit for their situation.

The CFFO is supportive of adding another “tool into the box” of options for greenhouse operators. This creates a potential win-win situation for greenhouse operations, cash-cropping operations, and the environment. It represents another option for farmers to consider when sourcing nutrients that need to be added to the farm operation. It is simply good stewardship to find a beneficial use for the nutrients through land application rather than treating it as a waste material.

However, like any new venture, there are hurdles. The single greatest hurdle identified is the transportation of nutrient feedwater to cropland. There will have to be a cost/value analysis done by both the greenhouse operator and the farmer before proceeding with this type of project. A cost-benefit analysis will need to be done on the part of farmers and greenhouse growers to determine if vehicle transportation or pipeline use will be economically viable. However, the ability to potentially irrigate land with feedwater at key times could be a tremendous boon to farmers.

Finally, there are the proposed regulatory measures that need to be considered. The CFFO is recommending that rather than set prescriptive limits in the regulation, this new option should allow for flexible rules that set items like application limits, days of storage and soil testing within nutrient management strategy and plan development. This will allow for plans that are reflective of on the ground realities over the numbers on the page.

The CFFO is supportive of the need for a more flexible approach to dealing with environmental concerns. Giving greenhouse operators the opportunity to land apply nutrient feedwater creates a potential win-win scenario for them, cash-croppers, and the environment.

Source: CFFO