APAS provides comments on the proposed federal fertilizer emissions reduction strategy
The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) has submitted comments on the federal government addressing concerns with the proposed 30 percent fertilizer emissions target for 2030.
“What the country – including the federal government – needs to account for is the amount of innovation that has gone on and has been applied here in Saskatchewan when it comes to applying fertilizer in the past several years,” APAS President Ian Boxall said. “Producers care more about the environment than we get credit for, and it’s frustrating because we are the first ones to see any type of change.”
“It impacts our bottom line every day,” Boxall added
A summary of the APAS submission includes several points:
The initial 30 percent fertilizer emissions reduction target was set without adequate consultation with producers and was based on an incomplete understanding of the technology and nutrient stewardship practices currently used on Saskatchewan farms.
APAS strongly advocates for an “intensity-based” approach to measuring emissions, which would allow for production increases, while also ensuring continuous improvements in efficiency and a lower carbon footprint.
Emissions reduction strategies must be based on sound science with verifiable research showing emissions savings and the benefits of adopting new practices. Measuring emissions from farm practices is an evolving area of research and Canada cannot afford to get ahead of the science when setting targets for the sector.
Emissions measurement must be based on modeling that is clear, accurate and accounts for regional variations. The expectation that models will improve calls into question the appropriateness of setting a baseline year to measure reductions.
Emissions reduction strategies should not interfere with Canada’s contributions to global food security or introduce additional risks to family farm businesses. The submission also addresses concerns withthe design of offset protocols in Canada and the competitive constraints that carbon pricing andclimate change policies have on producers in world markets.
APAS’ submission also highlighted the joint submission from the Saskatchewan Crop CommodityCommissions which APAS also supported during the consultations.
“It is important that the federal government recognize that Saskatchewan makes up almost 40 percent of Canada’s arable land. Producers here are world leaders in the development of innovative technologies and production practices to optimize soil health and productivity,” Boxall said.