The EFC will finance research to assess fertilizers’ effectiveness in supporting healthy food crops and their potential to reduce GHG emissions and environmental impacts.
On Jan. 31, Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced that the Government of Canada will become a founding member of the Efficient Fertilizer Consortium (EFC), according to a press release.
The Government of Canada pledges around $1.3 million CAD over a span of four years to support the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research’s (FFAR) initiative, the Efficient Fertilizer Consortium (EFC). This public-private partnership aims to finance research fostering improved efficiency and innovative fertilizer products and practices, with the goal of assisting farmers in crop production while minimizing environmental impacts.
“FFAR is thrilled to welcome the Government of Canada as a member of the Efficient Fertilizer Consortium,” said Dr. Angela Records, Chief Scientific Officer, FFAR. “We are looking forward to working together to guide the strategic direction of this consortium and fund critical research to advance enhanced fertilizer efficiency.”
As a founding member of the Consortium, Canada will influence the strategic direction and research of the EFC. Canada joins 11 other members, including the U.S., the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and other international governments, fertilizer companies, crop groups and foundations.
Canadian innovators in fertilizer and nutrient management have an ongoing opportunity to join the Consortium.
The press releases states “there are many innovative fertilizer products currently available. However, more research is needed to better understand their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction potential and their impact on crop yield in different climates, soil types and management practices.”
Canada, in collaboration with global scientists and essential figures in agriculture, including fertilizer companies, will engage in research to ensure its applicability to Canadian agriculture. The EFC will financially support research efforts aimed at generating data and evidence regarding the performance of fertilizers in promoting the health of food crops, as well as their potential to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts.
The releases notes that “joining the EFC supports the Government’s commitment to reduce GHG emissions in Canada arising from the application of fertilizers by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030 and builds on the Government’s commitment of over $1.5 billion to accelerate the agricultural sector’s progress on reducing emissions, while remaining a global leader in sustainable agriculture. It will also support the development and implementation of the Sustainable Agriculture Strategy.”
