Farmers blast feds for 'uninformed' fertilizer emissions proposal
Farmers are fuming over a potential federal government plan to cut back on the amount of nitrogen Canada emits.
Ottawa is proposing to cut 30 per cent of emissions from fertilizer by 2030 as part of its climate strategy.
But farmers, ranchers and even two provincial governments say the impacts could be catastrophic.
"We'd have to shift our operation pretty dramatically," cattle rancher Brad Osadczuk said. "We could either cut down production and cut down the amount of cattle that we run because we wouldn't be able to grow as much feed as we need, or we would have to cultivate and break up more native prairie, which is primarily what we graze on in this part of Alberta."
Producers across the province are sounding the alarm. Many believe the only way they can achieve the emissions target would be to shrink their output significantly.
"(Federal politicians) are very uninformed," Osadczuk said. "It's a detriment to the food chain and the availability of food."
Governments in Alberta and Saskatchewan have spoken this week about the negative effects of any drastic changes.
In fact, it's believed ranchers like Osadczuk would have it good compared to grain farmers.
One report from Fertilizer Canada says if the plan is implemented, those producers would lose billions of dollars and hundreds of millions of metric tons of wheat, canola and corn.
There's almost no doubt that would eventually trickle down to the kitchen table.
"You're making farms less cost effective, essentially," food supply expert Sylvain Charlebois said. "If costs increase, they can't pass them along in processing or in distribution. That's the reality of farming."
Which could change prices in Canada -- and around the world.
"It's not impossible to actually produce as much food (under the new proposal), but it's going to cost way more," Charlebois said.
And cost is already on the minds of farmers and ranchers.
"If I could get away from using fertilizer, I would, because it's an expense," Osadczuk told CTV News. "We're almost efficient and responsible by default because it's too expensive to over-fertilize."
Many farmers would rather emissions targets be based on units of production.
The federal government will be accepting feedback on the idea until the end of August. It says as of now, no decisions are final.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6978503.1721990327!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Arson attacks paralyze French high-speed rail network hours before start of Olympics
Outgoing French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said that sabotage and arson that hit key parts of France's high speed rail network on the eve of the Olympics had 'a clear objective: blocking the high speed train network.'
Canadian Olympic Committee CEO says soccer coach Bev Priestman likely aware of spying
Canadian Olympic Committee chief executive officer David Shoemaker says the head coach of the national women's soccer team was likely aware drones were used to spy on an opposing country's practices in France.
'She led it the whole way': 18-year-old B.C. woman leads hikers to safety in Jasper National Park
As fire threatened people in Jasper National Park, Colleen Knull sprung into action.
Latest updates on wildfires in Jasper National Park: Rain, cooler weather limiting spread
Cool and wet weather is making a difference in Jasper National Park.
Flyers, price-matching, local stores: How Canadians' grocery habits have changed
Whether they’re shopping at multiple stores, flipping through flyers or seeking out independent grocers, many Canadians say they have changed their grocery shopping habits in recent years as a response to high inflation and, for some, growing distrust of large chains.
Search for missing vulnerable 3-year-old child in Mississauga, Ont. continues
Police say the search for a vulnerable child who went missing in Mississauga, Ont. Thursday evening continues. Three-year-old Zaid, who is described as possibly non-verbal, was last seen at 6:20 p.m. in Mississauga’s Erindale Park, near Dundas Street West and Mississauga Road. He was not wearing shoes or socks at the time.
opinion 'Deadpool and Wolverine' review: A love letter to a bygone era
'Deadpool and Wolverine' is a showcase for the bromance stylings of its stars, who pull out all the stops to cap Fox's Marvel movies.
Stay inside, filter indoor air amid wildfire smoke, respirologist says
A Calgary respirologist is advising people to regularly check the outdoor air quality and stay inside as smoke from the Jasper wildfires blows into other parts of Alberta and possibly beyond.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.