Adopting agressive 4R practices could result in a 14 per cent drop in GHG emissions from nitrogen fertilizer

Sep 14, 2022

MELFORT, Sask. – Fertilizer Canada and the Canola Council of Canada (CCC) said the country can continue to increase crop yields while significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fertilizer application, using the tools and technology that is already available.

A new report said a 14 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 can be achieved through the adoption of aggressive, but attainable levels of 4R (Right Source at the Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place) best management practices (BMP).

The report showed in a time of global food insecurity, Canada must balance its fertilizer emission reduction goals with the need to increase vital food production.

Fertilizer Canada CEO Karen Proud said they support the federal government’s push to reduce Canada’s GHG emissions, but food productivity cannot be sacrificed.

“The approach to 2030 must be realistic, balance agricultural emission reductions with food production, and remain voluntary. Farmers are stewards of the land, and most Canadians believe they are best suited to understand the needs of their crops and their impact on the environment,” Proud said.

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Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

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