Adjustments to agriculture practices can play a significant role in attaining Canada’s lower carbon emissions commitment, according to a recently released report from Value Change Management International (VCMI). The report, entitled Low Carbon Food Production, suggests commercial benefits and opportunities are possible if businesses are willing to adapt to and profit from environmental initiatives. “Because […] Read more
Tag Archives greenhouse gas emissions
Farmers at the forefront of reducing GHG emissions
Sequestering carbon the best way to reduce emissions, according to new report
Soil freeze and thaw spike nitrous oxide emissions
Science Notes: Computer simulation aims to determine hotspots
Nitrous oxide (N2O) may be much less abundant in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide (CO2), but it is 300 times more potent. University of Illinois and University of Minnesota have documented an overlooked but crucial timeframe for nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in U.S. Midwest agricultural systems: the non-growing season. “Nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural soils […] Read more
Fertilizer emissions: it’s in the details
Technical discussion now begin on proposed emissions reductions plans for agriculture in Canada
Glacier FarmMedia – The federal Liberal government’s online consultation on its proposed 30 per cent reduction of nitrous oxide emissions closed Aug. 31 but the issue will continue to be examined during technical discussions beginning this month. The issue became politicized through the summer as Conservative MPs referred to it as an impending fertilizer ban […] Read more
University of Guelph scientist slams fertilizer emissions plan
Financial incentives and more cost-effective testing for researchers and farmers is needed, he says
Glacier FarmMedia – A scientist from the University of Guelph says the federal government is rushing its plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions from nitrogen fertilizer. Other scientists are concerned the plan could contribute to the urban/rural divide where city dwellers view farmers as bad guys who are trying to destroy the planet. Why it […] Read more
Dairy’s gap on the map to net-zero
The sector's net-zero plan banks on technology not yet available
Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) has a goal to reach net zero on carbon emissions but admits the plan to get there doesn’t exist. Not yet, at least. “It kind of reminds me of JFK saying, ‘by 1969, we’ll have a man on the moon’ and they hadn’t invented rockets yet,” said DFC director Korb […] Read more
Global farmers told they must do more with less
An OECD-FAO outlook sets new targets of a 28 per cent yield increase and six per cent emission reduction
Glacier FarmMedia – Global agricultural production systems must be transformed if the world is going to eliminate hunger by 2030, according to a new report. A 28 per cent increase in agricultural productivity is required to meet that objective, according to an agricultural outlook report released by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) […] Read more
Opinion: Relief on drying costs needed to meet federal sustainability goals
In the past few years we’ve heard numerous times that the federal government wants agriculture to be an economic driver for Canada. It also wants agricultural production to be greener. Both can certainly be achieved. But changes to the federal carbon tax scheme, the Greenhouse Gas Polluting Act, need to be considered for this to […] Read more
JBS aims to cut global methane emissions from cows using new feed additive
JBS SA, the world’s largest meatpacker, has announced a partnership with health and nutrition company Royal DSM with the goal of reducing methane emissions on its global supply chains. JBS said that it will use a feed additive called Bovaer developed by Netherlands-based DSM to reduce methane emissions on its supply chains as part of […] Read more
Debating carbon decrease priorities
There’s debate among agriculture organizations on how to measure the sector’s contributions
Should agriculture’s decreases in carbon emissions be based on intensity of use per unit of food, or measured in the total volume of reductions? That’s the crux of a philosophical discussion happening in agriculture and showcased by competing reports on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. Why it matters: How farmers are required […] Read more
Reduced fertilizer emissions possible through incentives
Better application technology, more widespread 4R management and better understanding of nutrient availability are vital
Major reductions in fertilizer-based greenhouse gas emissions are possible through 4R nutrient management, according to research from the University of Guelph. However, such reductions require growers to understand what nutrients are already present in soil, what portion is likely to be available for crops in the growing season and the significance of overapplication. Support for […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
