A vision to 2028 that includes climate action!

Last week, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture were meeting in Guelph to negotiate the high-level priorities that would guide the agriculture sector's policy until 2028. Ministers just wrapped up this meeting and have released their Guelph Statement, outlining five priorities for the next Agricultural Policy Framework (APF).

Here is priority #1:

"Tackling climate change and environmental protection to support GHG emission reductions and the long-term vitality of the sector while positioning producers and processors to seize economic opportunities from evolving consumer demands."

What's even more encouraging is seeing action on climate woven throughout the priorities. Climate change is not an isolated crisis, and its impacts are felt across various areas. This is why Farmers for Climate Solutions advocates for a comprehensive approach to climate action; we simply cannot tackle the larger issue of climate change without addressing its interconnected parts.

Here are the priorities that FCS had identified for a climate-focused APF that meets the mounting challenge of climate change. It must be:

  1. Rooted in Climate Action by adopting and agri-environmental strategy with clear targets

  2. Committed to Reducing Emissions by supporting farmers to adopt climate-friendly practices

  3. Grounded in Resilience by adapting risk-management programs to reward climate-friendly agriculture

  4. Invested in Growing our Sector by allocating additional funds to the next APF for climate adaptation and mitigation

The Guelph Statement is an hopeful step in the right direction for the agriculture sector, and speaks to a lot of the priorities that FCS has identified above. If we are to achieve this bold and ambitious vision to 2028, we need to take a proactive approach to tackling the climate crisis; farmer livelihoods and the resiliency of our food supply depends on this.

Cover image: 3Gen Organics Family Farm in Wellington County, Ontario, run by the Israel’s Jamie (left), Carl (middle) and Brett (right). Photo by Jodie Aldred Photography.