In the months since the Kyoto Conference on climate change, the SSCA has been very active in ensuring farmers' contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions are recognized. We felt we should pursue this for several reasons. First, carbon sequestration in soils merely extends good soil stewardship. Secondly, we feel that Governments will be forced to take fairly drastic action to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Canada's targets for reduction will equal the total fuel used annually in Canada by all forms of transportation. If our efforts to turn prairie soils into a carbon sink are recognized, we won't suffer when we approach the "Pains" portion of emission reductions. Thirdly, carbon could well become a "value added" part of our farms. The Minister of Environment suggested on the news recently that carbon credit could have a value between $1.50 to $20.00 per tonne. This would mean millions to prairie farmers.
We have partners in ManDak Zero Till, Alberta Conservation Tillage Association, Manitoba Conservation Districts and Soil Conservation Council of Canada to field a common message. The letters the members wrote have been very helpful. We feel our position on soils has been well received federally and has strong support provincially.
SARM passed a resolution supporting this position at their annual convention and we are part of the provincial stakeholders committee on Greenhouse Gas Reduction.
One of the challenges we face as directors is the time commitment. It is difficult to stop farming operations to attend some of these meetings, for example, the Soil and Water Conservation Society (an international organization) gathered policy makers, scientists and environmentalists in Calgary, May 21-22. Obviously not many farmers are on the planning committee! Clint Steinley, SSCA Director and I met with Glen Hass, SCCC, Russ Evans and Jack Swainson from ACTS. Our intent was to ensure that when the delegates left, we would have impressed on them four things.
1. Farmers are essential if agricultural soils are managed to sequester carbon.
2. Farmers must be involved in creating policies for soil management.
3. Farming is a very high risk business and the public must share the risk if common good results.
4. Regulation must be avoided.
As members you can make a huge contribution if you would send a letter to Federal Politicians:
1. Hon. Christine Stewart, Minister, Environment Canada, Room 658, Confederation Building, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A6.
2. David Oulton, Head of the Greenhouse Gas Secretariat, Natural Resources Canada, 580 Booth Street, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0E4.
3. Hon. Lyle Vanclief, Minister, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, House of Commons, Confederation Building, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A6.
4. Hon. Ralph Goodale, Minister Natural Resources Canada, 580 Booth Street, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0E4
and to the Provincial Politicans:
1. Hon. Lorne Scott, Minister of Environment and Resource Management, Box 550, Indian Head, SK, S0G 2K0.
2. Hon. Eric Upshall, Minister of Agriculture and Food, Box 579, Watrous, SK, S0K 4T0.
3. Hon. Eldon Lautermilch, Minister of Energy and Mines, 823 Central Avenue, Prince Albert, SK, S6V 4V2
Or speak to your Federal MP or Provincial MLA. If you would like more information, please contact our office 306-695-4233 and we can supply more information.