6 It’s Farming. And It’s Better. Better Farming | June/July 2024 Beyond the Barn GRAIN GROWERS STAY FOCUSSED ON LOWERING GHG While celebrating a 50 per cent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) intensity, Grain Growers of Canada recently announced their strategy for continuing to decrease emissions to help meet Canada’s net-zero goal for 2050. In April, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) released their Road to 2050 policy recommendations for federal government programs targeting sustainability in the grain industry. “Facing the need to feed more people, tackle climate change, and keep grain farms profitable, Canadian grain growers are leading with sustainable practices,” said GGC chair Andre Harpe in a recent release. “These efforts not only reduce our carbon footprint but also play a crucial role in achieving Canada’s climate goals.” The policy recommendations suggest government collaboration to increase research into crop genetics and develop more climate programs with expanded criteria and funding. GCC also recommends creating a data management strategy. From 1997 to 2017, steady GHG levels alongside more efficient grain production resulted in a 50 per cent decrease in GHG intensity for grain farmers. This exceeded the 36 per cent reduction achieved by Canadian economy during that time. William van Tassel, GGC first vice-chair, said that “for decades, grain farmers have been at the forefront of sustainability, making Canada a global leader in producing grain with the lowest emissions possible.” Harpe added, “Grain farmers stand ready to partner with government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also increasing production to meet a growing global food demand. It’s clear that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, but by working together, we can ensure that the sector continues to be part of the solution.” BF The Ontario government is investing in the grape-growing industry by supporting research at Brock University’s new research farm. The university was recently awarded $3.5 million to contribute to agricultural and grape and wine research as part of the Ontario Research Fund, which was announced in March. The funding will support the Clean Agriculture for Sustainable Production (CASP) Field Infrastructure project. The government “has recognized the time is now to be proactive in building resiliency and sustainability into Ontario’s $5.5-billion grape and wine industry by supporting this university-industry partnership,” said Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) director and core scientist Debbie Inglis in a release from Brock. One aspect of the CASP project is the Clean Plant Program, which builds on the national grapevine germplasm repository, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency partnership CLEANSED, and the Canadian Grapevine Certification Network partnership. These aim to produce certified virus-free grapevines for the wine industry. The researchers state that Canada needs approximately 6.2 million clean grapevines each year and currently relies on imports to meet the demand. Another phase of the project will focus on selection of more resilient crops by investigating interactions between grapevines and other plants and organisms. “We are focusing on clean grapevines, but our research outputs pertaining to sustainable agriculture will be applicable to many other crops grown in Ontario,” said project lead and assistant professor of Biological Sciences Jim Willwerth. “This will help build Ontario’s food security, resiliency to threats like climate change, pests and diseases while increasing biodiversity in our agroecosystems.” Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, added “This provincial funding for Brock University through the Ontario Research Fund will help support sustainable local farm practices and establish a home for Canada’s first Clean Plant Program for grapevines at the university’s new research farm.” BF ONT. INVESTS IN NEW GRAPE RESEARCH Ken - stock.adobe.com
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