The government of Canada has joined with the US and several other entities as a founding member of the Efficient Fertilizer Consortium (EFC), a public-private partnership aimed at helping farmers minimize the impact of fertilizers on the environment.
Created by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research, the EFC will fund research to advance enhanced efficiency and novel fertilizer products and practices “that help farmers produce crops while reducing environmental impacts,” said a government release on Wednesday. The partnership represents an approximately $1.3-million commitment over four years from Canada.
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research is a nonprofit organization that builds public-private partnerships to support innovative science that addresses food and agricultural challenges.
Joining the EFC supports Ottawa’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas 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, the release added.
As a founding member, Canada will influence the strategic direction and research of the EFC, which also includes the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, as well as other international governments, fertilizer companies, crop groups and foundations.
There are many innovative fertilizer products currently available, the release said. 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. As part of EFC, Canada will work with international scientists and key agriculture stakeholders including fertilizer companies to conduct this research and ensure its relevance to Canadian agriculture, it added.
“Collaboration with the sector and the international community is essential to making progress towards environment and climate goals while responding to the needs of Canadians for healthy and affordable food,” the release said.
