The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry in Canada is currently conducting an extensive examination of soil health across the nation. This initiative is part of a fresh study on Canadian soil health, which hasn’t been conducted since 1984. The findings of the previous report highlighted the significant issue of soil degradation throughout Canada and the urgent need for intervention to preserve agricultural productivity. However, in the past four decades, there have been dramatic changes, especially in technology, which have benefited the agriculture industry.
The province of Saskatchewan, known as the breadbasket of Canada, recognized the importance of soil health in the 1980s when it faced critical soil-related challenges. Since then, the province has made remarkable strides in soil conservation, driven by technological advancements, sustainability awareness, and a commitment to preserving soil health. Today, Saskatchewan accounts for 43.1% of total cropland in Canada and has become a leader in adopting conservation-oriented farming practices.
One of the key practices embraced by farmers in Saskatchewan is zero-till farming, also known as no-till or direct seeding. This practice involves planting crops without conventional plowing or extensive soil disturbance. As of 2016, 93% of cropland acres in Saskatchewan were under conservation tillage. Zero-till farming acts as a protective barrier against soil erosion, preserves topsoil and its nutrients, enhances water infiltration, reduces surface runoff, and improves moisture retention. It also reduces operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need for extensive machinery and labor associated with plowing.
Zero-till practices also play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change by enhancing carbon sequestration in the soil. Western Canada, including Saskatchewan, has experienced a net gain in carbon since 1981 due to the adoption of no-till practices. A recent study observed a substantial increase in carbon introduction into the soils of the Canadian Prairies, primarily in Saskatchewan. No-till farming has the potential to sequester up to 0.3 tonnes of carbon per acre per year, according to estimates. In Saskatchewan, carbon sequestration due to zero till farming ranges from 0.3 to 0.65 tonnes per acre per year.
Despite the immense environmental benefits and the pioneering efforts of Saskatchewan farmers in adopting sustainable practices, they are not receiving the recognition they deserve. In other regions, farmers are incentivized to adopt no-till practices and even earn money through the carbon offset market. However, Saskatchewan farmers do not receive benefits such as tax breaks or incentives, and they are excluded from the carbon offset market due to federal regulations implemented in 2022. These regulations penalize early adopters of sustainable practices.
Saskatchewan’s farmers have stored 12.8 million metric tonnes of carbon in their soil in 2020, surpassing every other province in Canada. This is equivalent to the environmental benefit of taking around 2.78 million cars off the roads for a year. However, the farmers are not receiving any benefits for their contributions to carbon sequestration.
Providing financial incentives to farmers is crucial to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices. The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry has recognized the need for better economic support for farmers to make sustainable practices more viable. Last year, there were discussions about creating a Saskatchewan-based carbon offset credit program to offer incentives to farmers, but no progress has been made so far.
As the Senate Committee continues its examination of soil health and the importance of sustainable practices, it is essential to recognize the contributions of farmers and provide them with the support they need. The evolving carbon market and policies should prioritize existing projects and initiatives, giving credit to the early adopters of sustainable farming practices.