Including Humalite in Canada’s Agricultural Emission Reduction Solution

Issue

According to a recent MNP Report; “Under Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan, the government of Canada is envisioning a 30% reduction in absolute emissions by the year 2030. That would include chemical fertilizer reductions used in crop production by Canadian farmers to achieve their part" in reduced emissions. To understand the reduction needed in fertilizer use to achieve the 30% emission reduction goal MNP uses “the model proposed under the EU Green Deal which cites an actual reduction of 20% in fertilizer use compared to 2020 levels”. Urgent, creative, and balanced solutions are required to ensure agricultural economic sustainability and that crop yields are maximized to feed Canadians and the growing world population. Humalite should be supported as a soil and foliage enhancer, and it may be a perfect solution to reduce GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions while working to maximize crop yield. 

Background

Climate change is among the most pressing issues on the world’s agenda today. Climate change combines with geopolitical strife, global food security issues, and economic challenges to make a particularly challenging time in the world’s history. Major action is being taken on many fronts to address climate change, including food production; however, creative solutions are required to balance any net negative impacts on other areas, such as agriculture productivity which can contribute further to food security and economic success. 

In Canada, the Federal Government has “committed to set a national fertilizer emission reduction target of 30% below 2020 levels by 2030.” This ambitious target has been criticized as high nitrogen-based fertilizer is common in today’s farming methods to maximize crop yields. 

Our Recommendations

1. Support and promote the research, production, domestic use, and export of environmentally friendly humalite products, including raw materials/products that are mined/manufactured in Alberta, for agricultural use; 
2. Ensure that any fertilizer emission reduction plan includes a strategy to maintain and maximize crop yield, including the use of humalite.