Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau says she wants to set the record straight on the government’s goal of reducing fertilizer emissions. “There’s a lot of misinformation out there right now,” she said in an Aug. 9 interview with The Western Producer.
“I just want to reiterate that we are really talking about reducing emissions from fertilizers. We are not talking about limiting the use of fertilizers themselves. The idea is to use them in the most sustainable way possible. The minister said the 30% reduction by 2030 is a voluntary target, not a mandate, and that the idea put forward by some conservatives and others that the federal government will implement a ban on the use of fertilizer is wrong. “That’s not true. We always said it was a voluntary goal,” she said. “We want to be ambitious because we have to move the needle. If we are sending the message that the status quo is good enough, it is not.
Consultations on the target began in March and end at the end of August. Minister Bibeau said it was important that everyone participate. She is in constant contact with agricultural organizations and stakeholders to ensure that “the way we move forward really takes into account the real world we live in”.
His ministry has invested in programs to help farmers reduce emissions, including financial contributions for improved equipment and technology. She said the government will support farmers to transition to more sustainable practices as they develop. “We want them to be sustainable, and sustainable also means economically sustainable,” she said.
Farmers stand to gain if they follow practices like the 4Rs because they might not have to use as much fertilizer, get better soil health, lower their input costs and lower their emissions, he said. she stated.
The federal government has announced agri-environmental spending worth $1.5 billion as part of its record $4 billion budget this year. Ms. Bibeau said programs such as Living Labs will help develop practices across the country that take into account different regions. She also pointed out that the government has invested in the fertilizer sector to also help develop more sustainable production methods.
The two goals of reducing emissions and sustainably feeding the world are not opposed, Ms. Bibeau said.
Some have expressed concern about the 2030 deadline linked to the emissions reduction target. “I think when we have a goal, we need a date. If we don’t, the target means nothing,” she said.
Minister Bibeau said she is confident that research and innovation will result in new practices and technologies that can help achieve the goal. These will be incorporated into the measures as they are adopted.
She also said the industry is working on reducing emissions on its own. For example, grain and dairy producer organizations both have zero emissions plans by 2050.
Source: The Western ProducerKaren Briere