The resource under our feet Celebrating Soil Conservation Week and the contribution of farmers

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2003

(OTTAWA) - The soil beneath our feet is one of Canada's most precious resources. This is the message of the 18th annual National Soil Conservation Week, April 20-26.

"All week we have an opportunity to recognize soil as one of Canada's precious and important natural resources," says Steve Broad, an Ontario farmer and president of the Soil Conservation Council of Canada (SCCC). "This week we will promote awareness of the importance of soil conservation, which is vital both for healthy agriculture and a healthy environment."

Soil conservation is also a key tool in Canada's efforts to reduce greenhouse gasses. "Soil conservation practices like direct seeding and conservation tillage help remove greenhouse gas emissions by establishing a soil 'sink' where carbon is accumulated and stored as organic matter," explains Fred Kraft, manager of the Climate Change Action Fund (CCAF) Agriculture Awareness Partnership project.

The CCAF Agriculture Awareness Partnership brings together many groups from diverse backgrounds and sectors. One of the goals of this group is to promote Best Management Practices (BMPs) being adopted by agricultural producers across Canada who want to do their part to protect the environment. The application of BMPs can enhance the environment, reduce or remove greenhouse gases and can be economically advantageous for farmers and ranchers.

National Soil Conservation Week offers an opportunity for the agriculture industry to highlight efforts producers are making to reduce and prevent soil degradation. As part of the celebrations, the agriculture industry will publish a brochure profiling 18 Canadian producers and what they have done to help protect and enrich the environment.

"Just as important, this week is about recognition of the efforts made by Canadian farmers to protect, maintain and enhance this resource," says Broad. "That's why we're also happy to release "Best Management Practices in Canadian Agriculture", a brochure featuring 18 producers from across Canada who are leading the way in enhancing the environmental sustainability of the agriculture sector."

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The Agricultural Awareness Partnership is a partnership of agricultural and environmental groups dedicated to promoting sustainable practices related to greenhouse gases in the agriculture industry. Partners include: Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration division of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Soil Conservation Council of Canada, Eastern Canadian Soil and Water Conservation Centre, Canadian Cattlemen's Association and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture.

Contact:

Fred Kraft, Project Manager, CCAF Agriculture Awareness Partnership (780) 495-4526

Steve Broad, President, SCCC (519) 537-5105

Doug McKell, Director, SCCC (306)695-2701