The Federal Governments consultations over their proposed fertilizer emissions reduction target wrapped up on Wednesday.
The Grain Growers of Canada was one of a number of farm groups taking part in that consultation process.
GGC Chair Andre Harpe says our sector knows nitrogen fertilizer is essential to the success of individual farm operations and, in turn, the Canadian economy.
"With the threat of global food insecurity, we must develop an approach that aligns the imminent need for increased food production with the long-term goal of increasing on-farm sustainability."
Branden Leslie, the GGC's Manager of Policy and Government Relations says I think we delivered a very clear message to Ottawa.
"There is no one size fits all approach to meeting this target, that agronomic variables on the ground matter, and it's important to listen to farmers concerns about what fertilizer reduction means to them."
He says to reflect the varied Canadian landscape and to ensure we continue to increase our yield increases, GGC recommends:
- Targeting reductions in intensity relative to production, rather than an absolute reduction;
- Address data gaps to ensure the baseline reflects usage patterns and accurately measures emissions; and
- Incorporating existing best management practices, like 4R Nutrient Stewardship, into the National Inventory Report (NIR).
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