Denise Faguy
Farms.com
Canadian grain farmers are stepping up to the plate with the launch of "Road to 2050," a set of policy recommendations that initiative tackles three critical challenges simultaneously: feeding a growing global population, combating climate change, and ensuring the economic viability of Canadian grain farms.
Andre Harpe, GGC Chair, emphasized Canadian grain growers proactive stance in addressing the pressing demands of feeding more people, combating climate change, and ensuring the profitability of grain farms through pioneering sustainable practices, which are instrumental in both shrinking our carbon footprint and advancing Canada's climate objectives.
The grain sector boasts impressive progress in environmental responsibility. Over the past two decades, they've maintained stable greenhouse gas emissions while significantly increasing production. This translates to a remarkable 50% reduction in GHG emission intensity from 1997 to 2017, exceeding the national average decrease of 36%.
Contributing $30 billion to Canada's GDP, the grain sector acknowledges the need for continuous innovation and investment.
"For years, Canadian grain farmers have been sustainability champions, making our country a global leader in low-emission grain production," says William van Tassel, 1st Vice Chair of GGC. "However, to remain competitive and committed to emission reduction, we need a significant boost in research and development funding. This investment is crucial to overcome current hurdles and unlock future opportunities."
"Road to 2050" proposes a collaborative approach between grain farmers and the government to reduce emissions. Their recommendations focus on increased funding for public and private breeding research, expanding access and resources for existing climate programs, and developing a comprehensive data management strategy.
"We are committed to working alongside the government to reduce emissions while boosting production to meet global food demands," emphasizes Harpe. "There's no one-size-fits-all solution, but through collaboration, we can ensure the grain sector remains a vital part of the solution."