New policy framework receives a mixed response

Federal and provincial agriculture ministers have agreed on a new five-year policy framework for agriculture and it contains climate action goals on fertilizer disliked by some ministers.

Lisa Thompson, Ontario’s minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, said she was disappointed by the federal government’s imposition of fertilizer emissions reduction targets when food security is a global concern.

Why it matters: The five-year agriculture policy frameworks set the parameters for provincial and federal agriculture funding programs.

Agriculture ministers met this week in Saskatoon to discuss national agriculture issues, including finalizing the new Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It includes the federal government’s goal of reducing fertilizer emissions by 30 per cent during the annual federal-provincial-territorial meeting.

“As our farmers work to feed Canada and the world, we need to work with them and support their ongoing efforts to grow and produce the food we need,” said Thompson. “The federal government needs to be true partners, rather than simply imposing targets that make it harder.”

Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada’s minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said that while the target is ambitious, the goal is to reduce fertilizer emissions, not fertilizers.

Thompson said ministers were disappointed by the lack of flexibility and consultation regarding the 30 per cent target.

 “Our farmers are dealing with significant and complex issues right now,” Thompson said. “I hope the federal government will work with us and our farmers to support and recognize the great strides they are making as responsible stewards.”

 There’s a focus on finding emission reductions through innovation, technology and research to grow production, but not fertilizer use, said Derek Johnson, Manitoba’s Minister of Agriculture.

“A lot of farmers in Western Canada and right across this country are doing everything they possibly can to protect their land but still grow food to feed the world,” said Johnson.

Bumped up funding

The new agreement provides half a billion dollars in new funding representing a 25 per cent cost-share increase in the partnership supporting sector sustainability and competitiveness. Business Risk Management programs will also undergo a one-year review to integrate climate risk and identify incentives and pilot programs for producers adopting environmental practices that reduce production risks.

“With this financial commitment, we are providing solid foundations to support our producers while providing the necessary tools for the sector’s sustainability and competitiveness,” said Bibeau.  

Canada’s AgriStability compensation will increase 10 per cent in 2023, from 70 per cent to 80 per cent and ministers will consult with the industry to craft a faster, more straightforward and predictable AgriStability model.

The $250 million cost-share Resilient Agriculture Landscape Program (RALP), proposed in the 2022 budget, will recognize the ecological goods and services provided by the agricultural sector and reward environmental stewardship and contributions to reducing sector emissions.

“Under this agreement, we will achieve a three-to-five megaton reduction in greenhouse gas emissions,” said Bibeau. “This will be measured by a more robust results strategy for the framework and include improved data sharing and results reporting amongst jurisdictions.”

Thompson said while she appreciates the federal government’s work with the provincial and territorial ministers on other issues impacting the ag sector, more is needed to find a fertilizer approach that won’t negatively impact yields and food security.