Canadians grain growers would like federal election candidates to recognize the ongoing contribution farmers are making to reduce impacts on the environment, says Jeff Nielsen.
An Olds-area farmer, Nielsen is the president of the Grain Growers of Canada (GGC).
“Agriculture is part of the climate change solution,” Nielsen said in a press release issued Wednesday. “The land is our livelihood and, as stewards of the land, we are committed to using the best practices possible to protect the environment for all Canadians.
“As our members continue to lead the way, we ask that our next prime minister and their leadership team commit to creating conditions that ensure the sustainable success of the agricultural sector.”
GGC members are asking for a number of amendments to regulations, including improvements to Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) to “ensure that they assume science-based regulations responsive to the needs of the sector,” he said.
GGC members are also asking for an increased mandate to encourage renewable fuel content from Canadian crops be issued as a way to create market diversification opportunities, while also realizing reduced greenhouse gas emissions, he said.
“We will continue to adopt more efficient methods to use less fuel and protect our valuable crops, however, our government must ensure that all regulations take into account the needs of running a modern grain farm,” he said.
“The fact is that Canada’s grain farmers have adopted several methods to reduce their environmental footprint. These include a reduction in soil tillage in order to conserve moisture and the adoption of precision agriculture technology, which maximizes efficiency and requires less fuel.
“In fact, fewer passes over farm fields has led to an annual reduction of over 170 million litres in on-farm fuel use.”
Nutrient stewardship practices also stand out as an example of an innovative technique widely used by members, he said.
“These practices have become the standard for proper nutrient management in Canada because of their steadfast principles to using the right fertilizer at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place.
“In fact, these practices have been so successful that Canada’s canola growers have committed to utilizing 4R nutrient stewardship practices on 90 per cent of their total acres by 2025.”
“Through environmental stewardship we have been successful in boosting Canada’s bottom line while respecting the land that supports us.”
