There needs to be a balance between production and ag policy

APAS was one of a number of farm groups taking part in the Federal Governments consultations on the proposed 30 per cent fertilizer emission reduction target.

President Ian Boxall says there needs to be a balance between production and ag policy.

"We are doing what we can. We care about the environment, we care about all this stuff. At the same point we also have a role to play in the production of key agricultural products for the world. We need to ensure that policy is all a balance within all these tiers, environment, agriculture, all of that."

A summary of the APAS submission includes several points:

- The initial 30 percent fertilizer emissions reduction target was set without adequate consultation with producers and was based on an incomplete understanding of the technology and nutrient stewardship 
practices currently used on Saskatchewan farms.

- APAS strongly advocates for an "intensity-based" approach to measuring emissions, which would allow for production increases, while also ensuring continuous improvements in efficiency and a lower
carbon footprint.

- Emissions reduction strategies must be based on sound science with verifiable research showing emissions savings and the benefits of adopting new practices. Measuring emissions from farm practices is an evolving area of research and Canada cannot afford to get ahead of the science when
setting targets for the sector.

- Emissions measurement must be based on modeling that is clear, accurate and accounts for regional variations. The expectation that models will improve calls into question the appropriateness of setting a baseline year to measure reductions.