Michitsch, R. (Soil & Crop Improvement Association of Nova, Scotia, 20 Tower Road, Truro, NS, B2N 5E3, Canada; Phone: 902-896-7092; Fax: 902-893-0335 Email: michitrc@gov.ns.ca)

Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Practices and Activities in the Eastern Canadian Agri-Food Sector

R. Michitsch *, D. Burton, R. Gordon, S. Ellsworth

In Eastern Canada, the agri-food sector plays a particular role in the production of greenhouse gases (GHGs) through its varied activities. The reduction of these emissions (as CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O) is actively being investigated by Atlantic Canadian researchers, given Canada’s commitment to reduce such emissions as mandated by adoption of the Kyoto Protocol. The potential to mitigate GHGs from the agri-food sector is achievable through increased farm-level awareness and the adoption of beneficial management practices (BMPs) related to soil, nutrient-management, animal and cropping practices. Sustaining the economic viability of the farm and other environmental benefits beyond GHG mitigation are priorities, to both foster adoption of BMPs and create a sustainable relationship with nature. In 2003, the Canadian federal government established the Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Program (GHGMP). This program is co-ordinate in parts of Eastern Canada by the Soil & Crop Improvement Association of Nova Scotia (SCIANS) under the supervision of the Soil Conservation Council of Canada (SCCC). A producer-based organization, SCIANS functions to support the improvement of soils and crops through the adoption of BMPs, to ensure the competitiveness of the Nova Scotia agri-food industry and to conduct farm-level research for the betterment of the Nova Scotia farming community. Areas of focus for on-farm demonstrations cover the following areas: management of nitrogen fertilization and soil nitrogen testing; reduced tillage systems and technologies; timing of manure application; and manure application techniques. Additional topics encompass manure storage techniques, bio-gas production through the anaerobic digestion of manure, feeding strategies, constructed wetlands and composting systems. Education and outreach are priorities of this demonstration program. Several projects have been in co-operation with other organizations, such as Horticulture Nova Scotia (HortNS), the Atlantic Swine Research Partnership (ASRP), the Eastern Canada Soil and Water Conservation Centre (ECSWCC) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). Overall, a network of information sharing has been established, which benefits all stakeholders. This allows for the convenient and timely dissemination of knowledge to Atlantic Canadian producers for both short and long-term mitigation of greenhouse gases.