The new federal government target of a 30% reduction in fertilizer emissions came as a surprise to provincial agriculture ministers and farmers..Saskatchewan's Minister of agriculture David Marit said the province and farmers were not consulted about the new requirement..“I mean, this was obviously a decision made by the federal government with no consultation with the provinces or the producers,” said Marit. “They just mandated this 30% reduction of fertilizer emissions by the year 2030.”.Manitoba's Minister of Agriculture Derek Johnson, said the new requirement is based on “broad assumptions” and farmers do not get any credit for the reductions already made..“Though a reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions would be a positive step and is a priority for the Manitoba government, a new federal requirement for a 30% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 through the agricultural sector’s use of nutrients is based on broad assumptions that do not account for improvements already made by Manitoba farmers,” said Johnson..READ MORE New 5-year agricultural deal reached between federal government and provinces.Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan president Ian Boxall, said farmers are in a unique position to understand environmental issues..“Producers care more about the environment than we ever get credit for, which is frustrating because we are the first ones that see any type of change, it effects our bottom line every day,” said Boxall in a statement..Johnson alluded to a Fertilizer Canada report, which claimed a 30% emissions reduction would lead to lower crop yields and higher food prices..“A report by Meyers Norris Penny for Fertilizer Canada states that a 30% reduction in such emissions would require a 20% reduction in the use of nutrients, which would equate to lower crop yields for Manitoba producers and hurt value-added businesses,” said Johnson..“A reduction in nutrients would also make increasingly expensive groceries even more costly and pose a risk to Manitoba jobs in agriculture and food processing.”.Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Marie-Claude Bibeau said the federal government consulted with farmers and the provinces before creating the plan..“Farmers are committed to making their production increasingly sustainable as they are the first to feel the effects of climate change. In recent years, they have managed to double their production while keeping GHG emissions at the same level,” said Bibeau in a statement..“Fertilizers are an essential input for Canada’s agricultural crops. The approach for achieving this target is currently in development and will continue to evolve as industry feedback is received through consultations.”.Bibeau said the government will make investments in clean technologies and sustainable practices such as the 4Rs..“Recognizing that farmers are key players in reducing greenhouse emissions, our government is making investments to help them further adopt clean technologies and sustainable agricultural practices such as 4Rs,” said Bibeau..The 4Rs are the right source, right rate, right place, and the right time..Manitoba already accomplished the 4Rs, according to Johnson..“Manitoba was the first Prairie province to complete the 4R memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Fertilizer Canada, and our province has worked with Keystone Agricultural Producers and Fertilizer Canada to promote 4R principles and practices since 2013 through a series of three-year MOUs,” said Johnson..“I have asked the federal government for support for the 4R Climate-Smart Protocol and the partners are currently finalizing a fourth MOU.”.While Boxall agrees that reducing emissions is important, he said feeding the world is more important now..“Right now, with the geo-political issues we’re seeing around the world, the demands for food security, at no point can policy jeopardize the production of food,” said Boxall..Johnson said Manitoba is helping to feed the world during this difficult time, but cannot do it without the help of nutrients..“The agriculture industry in Manitoba produces quality, affordable food that also benefits food security in other countries. Manitoba exported more than $7.7 billion in commodities and processed food to its global neighbours in 2021. Manitoba farmers cannot feed the world without the use of nutrients, which help crops grow,” said Johnson..“The government of Saskatchewan is going to stand behind and stand up for the farmers and ranchers in Saskatchewan,” said Marit..Bibeau said that the new emissions reduction is necessary for Canada to meet its GHG targets..“Reaching this target is part of the government’s broader plan to reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions by 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2030,” said Bibeau..Boxall and Marit agree that farmers and ranchers will comply with mandates, but said they need some direction..“Where are the savings? Because I do not believe with the way we are fertilizing in Saskatchewan, which 80% of it is probably put in the ground at the time of seeding. We don’t have huge emissions,” said Boxall..“If there are things we can do better, you bet our farmers and ranchers will adapt, we have been, if you look over the last 40 years of how the prairie farmers have adapted to change from both an environmental perspective and also on production,” added Marit.
