Hon. Robert Black: Honourable senators, I rise today to highlight the Grain Growers of Canada’s newly announced Road to 2050 initiative.

On Monday, the Grain Growers of Canada released their Road to 2050 initiative, which proposes the development of a path forward that focuses on innovation, research and beneficial management practices.

I met with representatives of the Grain Growers of Canada, or GGC, in my office in East Block yesterday, and they shared their hopes that the initiative will help boost productivity while continuing to enhance soil quality and reducing emissions. GGC also shared their hope that the government will collaborate with them on this initiative. I am hopeful that we will see the government continue to engage with the agricultural industry, just as they have in the recently released discussion paper on reducing emissions arising from the application of fertilizer.

As stewards of the land, the Grain Growers of Canada — along with all farmers, producers, and processors across the country — are heavily invested in the fight against climate change. Their announcement earlier this week represents a practical and proactive approach to tackling climate change.

I am pleased to share that while this initiative is part of the Grain Growers’ long-term plan, their work begins now. In addition to identifying opportunities for the sector to continue its contributions to greenhouse gas, or GHG, emission reductions, the Road to 2050 is intended to guide government policies and programming directed at Canada’s grains sector.

Although many farmers have already introduced innovative ways to reduce their emissions and practices that can help fight the effects of climate change, they still need our support. As Grain Growers of Canada’s Chair, Andre Harpe, said:

The farmer-driven path to net zero must reflect what farmers have done and can sustainably do in the future . . . .

We know that one of the main challenges for the agriculture and agri-food sector will be to mitigate greenhouse gases without jeopardizing food security. And to do so, Canadian agriculture producers and food processors will need government, private sector and the Canadian public’s support in transitioning their operations to be more sustainable.

Honourable colleagues, Canada is a leader in the agricultural and agri-food sectors. We must work collaboratively to address the effects of climate change to ensure that our farmers, producers and processors, as well as our grocery stores, can continue putting food on Canadians’ plates. Thanks to the Grain Growers of Canada for taking another step forward in agriculture’s fight against climate change. I look forward to further supporting this initiative as it progresses in the future.

Thank you. Meegwetch.