National fertilizer emission reduction targets are not realistic, farmers are frustrated

In December 2020, the Government of Canada announced a proposed national target in the “A Healthy Environment and Healthy Economy” plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fertilizer application by 30 per cent below 2020 levels by 2030. Few details were released until the spring of this year when consultations opened based on an Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada discussion document - Reducing Emissions Arising From the Application of Fertilizer in Canada’s Agriculture Sector.

The Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions understand that any such target is of significant concern to farmers. The commissions understand farmers’ frustrations with how such an aggressive target is to be met within seven growing seasons without having a significant impact on yields, economics, and Canada’s ability to retain a competitive position in providing domestic and global food security.

A recently released study by Fertilizer Canada and the Canola Council

of Canada, The Economics of 4R BMP Implementation and Emissions Reductions from Fertilizer, agrees that a 30 per cent reduction target may not be realistic nor responsible. The report shows that, at best, a 14 per cent reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 may be achievable without risking productivity or economic viability. “The approach to 2030 must be realistic, balance agricultural emission reductions with food production, and remain voluntary,” says Karen Proud, President and chief executive officer with Fertilizer Canada. “Farmers are stewards of the land, and most Canadians believe they are best suited to understand the needs of their crops and their impact on the environment.”

These sentiments were also clearly reflected in the commissions’ comprehensive submission to the consultation, available to view on our website under policy initiatives. There is serious concern that an ill-conceived target will set farmers up for failure with potential regulatory implications. In summary, the commissions called on the government to consider the following six recommendations:

• Based one mission intensity: Any national emission reduction target must be based on emission intensity and consider emissions per unit of crop production to maintain growth; rather than absolute emissions that could have severe consequences for farmer competitiveness.
• Communications: Significantly improve communication with farmers regarding the objective of the target and its voluntary nature. Seek broad and frequent input from the agricultural community to define pathways toward achieving the goal that makes sense on-farm. Provide clear communication on what is measured and how.
• Keep the target voluntary and flexible: Given the data gaps and variability across all regions and with the sector, it is imperative that the target remain voluntary and that the federal government work with provincial governments and producer organizations to define the goals in provincial context. Flexibility must be allowed in attempting to meet the goal.
• Past and current practices: Farmers need to understand how the soil carbon sequestration on their farms from continuous improvement and voluntary adoption of various practices will be accounted for within emission reduction targets and how past and present practices, including research investments, are acknowledged.
• Methodology and measures: The government needs to ensure that any targeted practices; can be accounted for within the national methodology, are reflected in the National Inventory Reports, and are considered toward the reduction target.
• Regionality based on agroecological zones: As per the example above related to net GHG balances, a highly regional lens must be applied to achieving emission reductions and flexibility and adaptability to specific localized variables must be considered.

While the official consultation process closed on August 31, 2022, the commissions and our industry partners continue to engage with all levels of government on this policy. In early September, additional technical workshops were held and defined details around what business risk management programs will be considered and measured (at the time of writing these details were unavailable).

As the commissions continue to seek clarity and push for a realistic target and pathways – farmers will be kept informed. Please do not hesitate to contact Shannon Sereda, sr. manager of policy and government relations ssereda@albertawheatbarley.com with any questions or concerns.