Team Alberta launches online sustainability assessment tool and resource library

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A group of four crop commissions in Alberta has launched an online farm sustainability readiness assessment tool today, in an effort to advance on-farm sustainability in the country.

Through their new website, Team Alberta (made up of Alberta Barley, Alberta Canola, Alberta Pulse Growers and Alberta Wheat Commission) provides three self-assessment questionnaires, learning and action-planning modules, and general information on sustainability.

“As end-users grow increasingly interested in sourcing sustainable food options, this tool will increase producers’ readiness to take advantage of sustainability-driven market demands,” said Kevin Bender, Alberta Wheat Commission Chair, in a release.

After completing the self-assessment, farmers will be given an action plan tailored to their operation, and the commissions will have insight into what’s needed for future research and extension of beneficial management practices.

According to their new website, the group focused their work on the use of three sustainability certification programs, in developing the assessment and resources:

  • International Sustainability and Carbon Certification EU – ISCC 202 Sustainability requirements version 3.0 source
  • Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform – Farmer Self-Assessment (FSA) version 2.0 source
  • Unilever’s Sustainable Agriculture Code (ULSAC) – 2017 Version source

“The readiness tool is simple and intuitive for farmers to use, especially those who are interested in completing a sustainability certification program,” says John Guelly, Vice-Chair of Alberta Canola and industry advisor for the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan. “The readiness tool will help tell our industry’s sustainability story which is important for earning public trust.”

The farm sustainability readiness tool was developed in conjunction with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry and ag consulting firm Groupe Agéco.

 

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