Farmers can now guide government how to reduce fertilizer emissions

By Shazia Nazir – The Milton Reporter Staff

Cutting emissions is the most discussed subject in recent times and now the Canadian government has rolled out new round of discussions to attain the national target to slash absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with fertilizers by 30 percent.

Fertilizers are responsible for nearly a third more greenhouse gas emissions than the global aviation industry, a report cited as Canada is counted among leading emitters. Nitrous oxide emissions, mainly those associated with synthetic nitrogen fertilizer use have also grown pointedly.

Facing the startling realities about emissions in Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau launched a new round of consultations, beginning with the release of a Discussion Document – a crucial fragment of consultations with industry to help reach this tough but attainable goal.

According to an official statement, officials interacted with producer groups and provincial and territorial partners last year to discuss the emissions reduction target and initiate conversations on how to work together to develop a realistic approach.

In light to make fertilizer emissions reduction targets a hit, stakeholders pointed out key challenges for the industry which helped inform a Discussion Document that will stimulate discussion and lead to a shared understanding.

A number of policy measures and approaches are on cards including working with growers to encourage broader adoption of new products and implementation of beneficial management practices. However, the government planned not to compromise crop yields while moving toward reaching the target. Industry-led initiatives like Fertilizer Canada’s 4R Nutrient Stewardship program will also play an important role in promoting sustainable use of fertilizer in crop production and can reduce GHG emissions.

Minister Bibeau said the government’s vision for sustainable agriculture in the country aligns with the work of producers who are passionate about the health of their land and animals.

The Liberal Party leader then vowed to further continue supporting the development and adoption of practices and equipment that help improve the sector’s climate change resiliency.

The Canadian government now eyes to slash national fertilizer emissions reduction target with the commitment to reduce total GHG emissions by 40-45 percent by 2030, as outlined in Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan, and enshrined in legislation through the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act.

“These emissions reduction targets should be set after an in-depth discussion with all growers and should be practical that doesn’t result in the sort of losses amid soaring inflation,” says Shawn Singh, a small farm owner in Milton.

Huge investments were made for new programs to introduce new management practices and clean technology which can improve productivity and lower GHG emissions like Living Labs initiative.

Officials are also mulling over virtual debates to continue the conversation on the emission reduction target. Producers, processors, Indigenous communities, women in agriculture, youth, environmental organizations, small and emerging sectors, and other stakeholders and partners will contribute for the cause.

Robert Hurmano, who works in fertilizer industry, says he’s “happy to feel included” and to share his experience so we can work together to identify concrete and innovative steps to help meet the government’s targets.

Teamwork is said to be vital to find solutions to address the serious environmental challenges at hand.