Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada releases "What We Heard" report on fertilizer emissions

On March 22, 2023, AAFC released a What We Heard Report on plans to meet Canada’s fertilizer emissions reduction target of 30% from 2020 levels by 2030. The consultation on the controversial proposals elicited over 2,000 submissions between March and October 2022.

In the Executive Summary the report recognized that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to meeting the target. Canada’s agriculture sector varies by crop, soil, and region. Common comments on the consultation included

• Increasing adoption of Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) with decreased upfront costs and demonstration of their success and profitability on the farm;
• Supporting innovation to help the sector on a path forward, with financial support and improved infrastructure;
• Improving measurement and reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fertilizer application, with minimal reporting burden for the farmer, and open data sharing while protecting data privacy; and
• Engaging frequently with farmers, involving them directly in research efforts to use their deep knowledge and experience of their soils, landscape and farming practices.

Access the report at:

https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/department/transparency/public-opinion-research-consultations/share-ideas-fertilizer-emissions-reduction-target/what-we-heard-report-fertilizer-emissions-reduction

Canadian Water and Wastewater Association