The author writes that the agricultural sector needs land tenure for future farmers committed to healthy food from healthy ecosystems.  |  File photo

Farming needs new land tenure options

Farm succession is partially motivated by a love of family and land in both generations. Despite tensions between generations and varying expectations, succession works well in some cases. Today, many farms are aggregated parcels of land with equipment, infrastructure and perhaps quota, often incorporated, even if they are family run, and may not include the […] Read more

The author says that doing nothing about climate change is like a pedestrian on a trestle bridge doing nothing while a train approaches.  |  File photo

‘Wait and see’ is not a climate solution

Fifty years ago, on a moonless night in the Fraser Canyon of British Columbia, I was trudging back to camp. As I crossed a railroad bridge, I heard the wail of a train whistle ricocheting through the canyons behind me. I couldn’t judge the distance between train and bridge, nor how far along the bridge […] Read more

The author argues that the federal government’s 30 percent fertilizer emissions reduction target by 2030 is necessary and possible, but farmers will need to reduce the overall amount of nitrogen fertilizer they use. | File photo

Fertilizer use reductions are possible

The 4R principles promoted by Fertilizer Canada are increasingly accepted and practised by farmers across Canada. It makes sense to apply nutrients from the right source, at the right time, in the right place and at the right rate. However, recent Fertilizer Canada lobbying has morphed the fourth principle from right rates to holding the […] Read more