Agriculture as a solution to pollution

An innovative partnership is leading the way in making the Canadian agriculture sector a solution to global warming.

Part of the Climate Change Action Fund (CCAF), the Agricultural Awareness Partnership Project will work to increase producers' and the general public's awareness of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission issues. The partnership will see the strengthening of the national network of organizations, agencies, and institutions that contribute to agricultural solutions to global warming.

Partners in the project include Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC's) Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA), the Canadian Cattlemen's Association, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, the Eastern Canada Soil and Water Conservation Centre, and the Soil Conservation Council of Canada.

"Through these partnerships, the project will improve awareness and understanding of agriculture's impact on GHGs and climate change," said Fred Kraft, manager of the project. "It will also work to create a more receptive environment in the private and public sectors for actions to reduce GHG emissions."

One of the main issues of our day is the potential for climate change, and GHGs are certainly related to this concern. Such emissions include nitrous oxide, methane, and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere whenever soils are disturbed; methane may be released by wetlands, depending on their state and location. Nitrous oxide is released when biomass is burned, a practice related to land use changes from forestry to agriculture.

These emissions can be significantly reduced if environmentally friendly practices are followed. The agricultural sector, especially producers, can play a key role in reducing GHGs and sequestering atmospheric carbon.

This partnership will encourage the agricultural sector to adopt best management practices, while also supporting sustainable growth and development. Reduced tillage, which releases less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and the use of perennial forages to prevent erosion and preserve the productivity of soils are examples of practices promoted by the project.

"This will be a joint industry and government approach to create support for adoption of sustained GHG emission reduction and carbon sequestration actions," Kraft explained. "Demonstration sites will be promoted, and the adoption of agricultural practices that sequester carbon, such as agroforestry, range management, direct seeding and others, will be encouraged."

The Shelterbelt Centre works in partnership with industry to make Canada the world leader in food safety, environmental stewardship, research and innovation. The CCAF supports the goals of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Agricultural Policy Framework (APF), which puts the necessary programs in place to bring long-term security and sustainability to Canada's agricultural sector.