New study shows Ontario’s farmers are environmental leaders

Better farming practices reduce greenhouse gas emissions taking 125,000 cars off the road

Guelph, Ontario, June 5, 2007 - A new study, Caring for the Land – Our Farm Environmental Commitment, shows that Ontario’s farmers are environmental leaders.

Greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by the equivalent of taking 125,000 cars off the road through improved soil conservation measures. Farmers have spent at least $600 million on environmental improvements and 300,000 days in environmental training. Over 70% of them have voluntarily participated in the Environmental Farm Plan program.

“This report reveals the tip of the iceberg,” stated Jackie Fraser, Executive Director of Agricultural Groups Concerned About Resources and the Environment (AGCare) who conducted the study. “There are so many farmers doing great things for the environment; this report merely scratches the surface.”

The study was released today to celebrate Canadian Environment Week. The entire report, a summary booklet, case studies, and other information are available on www.caringfortheland.com – a new website also launched today.

“Who in society is more dependent on a healthy environment than farmers? Our families live, work, and play on our farms, and our livelihood depends on healthy soil, air, and water,” stated Murray Porteous, a fruit and vegetable farmer. “Farmers know the importance of sustaining the quality of their environment and treating it with respect.”

AGCare is an environmental organization that represents Ontario's 45,000 farmers, providing science and research-based information and policy initiatives on environmental issues on behalf of its membership.

Funding for this project was provided in part by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Adaptation Council.