Experts working with farmers to recommend climate policy solutions

In its promise to build back better, the Canadian government has made an unprecedented commitment to farmers and ranchers in the 2020 Speech from the Throne to, "recognize ... farmers, foresters, and ranchers as key partners in the fight against climate change, supporting their efforts to reduce emissions and build resilience."

To deliver on this commitment, the Canadian government must prioritize: 

• Farmer-led policy solutions that are backed by evidence

• Policy solutions that simultaneously enhance climate action, farmer and rancher livelihoods, and a more inclusive and equitable sector

Spreading low emission, highly resilient agriculture will improve farmer livelihoods and help rural communities thrive. All Canadians will benefit through the enhancement of clean air, water, biodiversity, food security, rural well-being and beautiful country landscapes.

What does it mean to build back better in agriculture?

Long before the pandemic, the agriculture sector has been resting on unstable foundations. Farm debt is at a record high, business margins are narrowing; farmers are aging and retiring without farm succession plans; climate impacts are worsening and sector emissions are currently on track to increase through 2030. 

Farmers for Climate Solutions recently recruited a farmer-led task force of experts to propose short-term actions that will deliver long-term lasting benefits in emissions reduction, economic well-being, and equity. 

The task force advised Farmers for Climate Solutions on a short list of recommendations to be advanced for Budget 2021 and to inform the next Agricultural Policy Framework.

Meet the experts here.