CFGA excited with launch of On-Farm Climate Action Fund
August 13, 2021 – Fredericton, New Brunswick – The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) is pleased with the launch of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s $200-million On-Farm Climate Action Fund, a new fund under Agricultural Climate Solutions.
 
The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, yesterday announced the call for proposals from potential delivery partners. Potential delivery partners could include producer groups and associations – such as the CFGA, commodity organizations, Indigenous groups, non-governmental organizations, provincial or territorial Crown corporations, and other organizations.
 
Starting this year and until 2024, the On-Farm Climate Action Fund will provide direct support to farmers to adopt beneficial management practices that store carbon and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in three target areas: cover cropping, nitrogen management and rotational grazing practices.

Last year, CFGA executive director Cedric MacLeod participated in a task force of scientists and experts assembled by Farmers for Climate Solutions to short-list practices that could be implemented to address the increasing impacts of climate change, including the three identified for the On-Farm Climate Action Fund.
 
“The latest United Nations climate report released earlier this week sounded the alarm over the “irreversible” impacts of climate change,” says MacLeod. “It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by, and then ignore, such a large issue. But funding such as this will help farmers implement tangible practices that continue agriculture’s work in combating climate change. We all have a role to play in this effort, and this program puts the tools and know-how in Canadian farmers’ hands.”
 
“We’ve practiced rotational grazing on our farm for several years,” says Manitoba rancher Iain Aitken. “This drought has really demonstrated the value of planned grazing management. I’m very pleased to see this new federal commitment to expanding enhanced grazing practices so that farmers can better withstand extreme weather in the future.”
 
Karen Ross, director of Farmers for Climate Solutions spoke during the launch, stressing how agriculture, like every other sector, needs support to make the inevitable transition to a clean, climate-friendly future.
 
“What’s both unique and compelling about this new program is that it prioritizes direct support to farmers to help us adopt these practices across millions of acres of Canadian farmland,” she said, adding that yesterday’s announcement recognizes the imperative to build resilience in the agriculture sector and the importance of farmers in addressing the climate crisis. “We are very optimistic that this opens the door for more to come from here.”

Media Relations:
Trudy Kelly Forsythe, Communications, Canadian Forage and Grassland Association
506-333-4260
info@canadianfga.ca

About the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association:
Incorporated in 2010, the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association provides a national voice for all Canadians who produce hay and forage products and for those whose production is dependent upon forage/grassland production.