Advocacy

The Grain Growers of Canada know that 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.

In March 2022, AAFC released its discussion document titled ‘Reducing emissions arising from the application of fertilizer in Canada’s agriculture sector as the next step in the government’s plans to reduce fertilizer emissions.

GGC has been working diligently to assess the impact on farmers and the grain industry. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to meeting this target, and many individual farm-level variables will impact what solutions work for each farmer. To reflect the varied Canadian landscape and ensure we continue to increase our yields, 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).