Politics took center stage on Monday as the Canadian Federation of Agriculture kicked off their Annual General Meeting.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the group and took time for a question and answer session.
In his address to the group he referenced what he said is misinformation around the government's fertilizer emission reduction target.
"We are consulting with farmers in the industry, about a voluntary, not mandatory reduction in emissions from fertilizers, not in use of fertilizers. I've heard directly from you that finding ways to use fertilizer more efficiently is important, both for the sustainability and resilience of our environment and of your bottom lines."
He also noted that while the federal price on pollution is in place to reduce emissions and fight climate change, it puts money back into producer pockets where the federal system is used.
"We've exempted gasoline and diesel for farm use from pollution pricing. And for eligible farms in backstopped jurisdictions, we've brought in tax credits for things like propane and natural gas use. In addition, families that live in rural communities get a 10 per cent top up to their climate action incentive payments that come in four times a year."
Trudeau adding that they've also provided funding to help farmers invest in clean technologies that reduce their energy costs by purchasing more efficient grain dryers.
During the question and answer session, the Canadian Cattle Association's Tyler Fulton asked the Prime Minister about incentives to help livestock producers maintain grasslands.
Fulton says farmers and ranchers love the land and work hard to protect it, they consider it their legacy for future generations, but they need help.
He notes that grasslands play an important role for producers as well as capturing carbon, increasing biodiversity and adding resiliency to the landscape.
Fulton pointed out that grasslands in Canada and around the world are shrinking due to market forces which has more livestock producers moving to more lucrative uses of the land.
The Prime Minister in turned asked Fulton what would be the best way to protect grasslands that would be most efficient that would really help cattle producers not switch away.
Fulton says it comes down to the recognition of the value that those grasslands bring, in particular, the biodiversity that comes from having those natural landscapes.
The Prime Minister referenced Canada's commitment to protecting 25 per cent of our oceans and coastal areas by 2025, and 30 per cent by 2030.
Canada now has 15 per cent of our oceans and coastal areas protected.
He says on land it's more challenging, partially because the federal government has more control over oceans than land because it's all provincial areas.
Trudeau acknowledged that reaching their target for land is going to require that they put a real value on the ecosystem services, the biodiversity, the healthy ecosystems and the diverse ecosystems that we actually have in those areas.
Jagmeet Singh from the NDP, the Green Party’s Elizabeth May, Yves-Francois Blanchet from the Bloc Quebecois and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also addressed CFA delegates.
Source : Pembinavalley online