Environment

NFU urges Government of Canada to put COP 26 pledges in motion

As COP26 concludes, the NFU calls the Government of Canada to action. We implore policymakers to live up to their non-binding pledges and ensure they address the climate crisis by reducing actual emissions and not with net-zero schemes based on unproven technology, market-based solutions, misunderstood carbon sequestration science, and the further commodification of land. Read more

COP26 “Drive to Zero” commitment promising for agriculture

The National Farmers Union (NFU) applauds the Canadian government’s commitment to 30% of new sales for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty truck and bus fleets by 2030 and 100% zero-emission new sales by 2040. The government made the commitment on November 9, Transport Day at COP 26. The switch to zero emission cars, trucks, and machinery is inevitable as we move past our target of 40% emissions reduction by 2030 and toward 2050 when emissions will need to be very close to zero. Read more

COP26 CAPP call for increased fossil fuel production shameful

The NFU calls on all governments to end fossil fuel subsidies and focus on clean energy to align public finance with their pledges to tackle the climate crisis. Furthermore, shifting subsidies to clean energy development would encourage energy companies to invest in the energy future necessary to tackle the climate crisis. Canada should consider becoming a signatory to the fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty and join the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance. The bottom line: Canada cannot be a climate leader while financing the expansion of fossil fuel projects. Read more

NFU Applauds Cap on Oil and Gas Emissions, Demands Transitional Support for Farmers

le français suit Glasgow, Scotland – The National Farmers Union (NFU) applauds Prime Minister Trudeau’s announcement of a new cap on greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas production in Canada Read more

A chorus of ‘precision agriculture’

The NFU agrees that the use of the new ag-technology, implied by “precision agriculture”, can improve many aspects of farming. However, our most important question always is whether or not the best interests of farmers are being served by innovations. Or is this another way to consolidate corporate control, making a possibly good thing into a deeper threat for independent farmers? Read more

CFIA gene editing regulatory proposal not science-based or transparent

Canada is deciding how to regulate gene-edited plants – and is largely proposing not to. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for regulating genetically engineered (genetically modified or GM) plants for environmental safety under the Seeds Act Regulations - Part V. These regulations define what is considered a “Plant with Novel Traits” (PNTs) and how PNTs are regulated. The CFIA is proposing a new interpretation that would exempt many gene edited plants right away, and more in the future. The proposed regulatory guidance turns its back on science, allows biotech companies to determine safety, and leaves farmers, future regulators and the public in the dark. Read more

Commentary on CFIA proposal for regulating gene-edited plants

The CFIA’s proposed guidance would allow plant developers (biotechnology companies) to decide for themselves whether their product meets the CFIA’s criteria for regulation as a PNT. It proposes to exempt from regulation genetically engineered plants that do not contain foreign DNA if they are not expected to result in any of four environmental impacts the CFIA lists. In addition, the proposed criteria would exempt some genetically engineered plants that have a trait previously approved by the CFIA, even if the approved trait was in another plant species or developed using different technology. Read more

Time for Western Premiers to “Do The Right Thing” Regarding Agristability

Swift Current, SK—The National Farmers Union (NFU) is urging the western conservative premiers in Saskatchewan and Alberta to put aside the political posturing and “do the right thing” in order Read more

Manitoba Cattle Farmers Face Rising Costs from Drought & Government

Brandon, MB—Manitoba cattle farmers are facing higher costs and may soon see falling prices.  Farmers may be on the eve of a severe cost-price squeeze. The NFU today sent a Read more

Canadian Farms Hammered by Heat and Drought; Climate Change Will Make Such Events More Frequent and Damaging

Saskatoon, SK—Across BC, the Prairies, and western Ontario, intense heat and lack of rain are withering crops, pastures, livestock feed, orchards, and vegetable fields and drying up water supplies.  The Read more