Feds launch consultations to develop sustainable agriculture strategy
Climate resilience and biodiversity are just two issues currently being examined by the federal government and key stakeholders in Canada’s agriculture sector.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced the launch of consultation this week to develop a sustainable agriculture strategy (SAS) in collaboration with partners.
The SAS – which the federal government hopes to be finalized in the next year – will serve as a guide to support the livelihoods of farmers while growing a sustainable sector, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada said.
It will focus on five priority issues: soil health, climate adaptation and resilience, water, climate change mitigation and biodiversity.
Provinces and territories will be engaged through the consultation phase and focus on how to best work collaboratively towards developing the strategy.
The process will include public consultations, targeted workshops and an advisory committee.
Co-chaired by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, the committee will comprise ndustry experts, including producers and representatives of associations and non-governmental organizations.
Consultations run until March 31, 2023.
"The Sustainable Agriculture Strategy comes at a critical time for Canadian producers. Farmers are being asked to balance immediate financial pressures with long-term sustainability goals. This approach, which considers all facets of sustainability – environmental, economic, and social – is needed to ensure we can find pragmatic business solutions that support continued competitiveness and reduce the sector's environmental footprint,” Mary Robinson, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, said in a statement.
Committee members include:
Canada Organic Growers
Egg Farmers of Canada
Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute
Farmers for Climate Solutions
Canadian Canola Growers Association
Fertilizer Canada
Canadian Cattle Association
Fruit & Vegetable Growers of Canada
Canadian Pork Council
Grain Growers of Canada
Canadian Wildlife Federation
National Farmers Union
Canola Council of Canada
Nature United
Chicken Farmers of Canada
Pulse Canada
Dairy Farmers of Canada
Union de producteurs agricoles
Ducks Unlimited
Soy Canada
