News in brief:
– The Government of Canada commits CAD1.3 million over four years to join the Efficient Fertilizer Consortium, aiming to advance sustainable farming practices through research on enhanced fertiliser efficiency.
– Its membership positions it alongside 11 other committed nations and organisations, fostering international collaboration for innovative solutions in agriculture.
Taking a significant step toward sustainable farming, Minister Lawrence MacAulay announces Canada’s founding membership in the Efficient Fertilizer Consortium (EFC). With a CAD 1.3 million investment over four years, Canada will drive innovative research to enhance fertiliser efficiency and minimise environmental impacts in farming.
The EFC, initiated by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), operates as a dynamic public-private partnership, fostering innovation to enhance fertiliser products and practices crucial for sustainable crop production. Through this alliance, Canada will wield influence over the Consortium’s strategic agenda and research endeavours, collaborating with 11 other dedicated members, including the USA, the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, fertiliser companies, crop groups, and foundations.
Despite the array of innovative fertiliser products available, there remains a pressing need for comprehensive research to assess their efficacy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and optimising crop yield across diverse agricultural landscapes. Canada, alongside international scientists and agricultural stakeholders, is poised to spearhead this research, ensuring its alignment with Canadian agricultural needs and priorities.
A big step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability
This decision aligns with Canada’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions stemming from fertiliser application by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030. It reinforces the government’s substantial investment of over $1.5 billion to catalyse emissions reduction initiatives within the agricultural sector while upholding its global leadership in sustainable agriculture.
Minister MacAulay emphasised the significance of international collaborations in addressing global food security challenges, underscoring the pivotal role of informed decision-making in fostering environmental sustainability and bolstering economic resilience for farmers and producers across Canada.
Dr. Angela Records, Chief Scientific Officer of the FFAR, expressed enthusiasm at Canada’s inclusion in the EFC, highlighting the critical role of collaborative research in advancing fertilizer efficiency and sustainability.
This landmark collaboration between the Government of Canada and the EFC embodies a shared commitment to forging a resilient, environmentally conscious agricultural sector, poised to meet the challenges of the 21st century while ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come.
