Advancing our knowledge and understanding of greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation in agricultural production will help develop new technologies and practices that Canadian farmers can use to improve their environmental performance and profitability.

Livestock Emissions Management 

Methane emissions from livestock are the result of inefficient feed digestion, which represents an economic cost to producers. Research into new feed and forage, feed efficiency, and improved digestion by livestock may reduce feed requirements and costs and have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon sequestration in agricultural landscapes 

Through better management of carbon, there is potential for both direct greenhouse gas mitigation and indirect mitigation through reduced use of fossil fuels. Reduced tillage practices, such as no-till, keeps the fertilizer in the ground improving soil quality for future crops and reducing the cost of fertilizer for the farmer. These practices can reduce carbon dioxide emissions, improve water retention, reduce soil erosion and improve air quality.

Research into the measurement, reporting and verification of soil organic carbon in response to changes in cropland management will lead to the development of the greenhouse gas inventories of agricultural lands. Improved methods and technologies for carbon reporting may allow farmers to capture new income from future carbon credits trading markets.

Agroforestry systems can absorb carbon dioxide, improve the productivity and resilience of agricultural land. They can also help farmers by improving crop yields and reduce input costs through biomass production, reduced erosion and nutrient leaching.

Intensive Irrigated Cropping Systems

Heavy use of irrigation raises production costs and is directly related to increased GHG emissions. Currently 40% of the world’s food is produced using irrigation and this percentage may increase in the future with growing populations and the corresponding demand for food. Research in this area will offer benefits to farmers and the environment by increasing efficiency of water and energy use.