White paper published summarizing feedback on Responsible Grain

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The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops (CRSC) has published the promised white paper exploring a code of practice for the Canadian grain industry.

At this time, the CRSC is not committing to moving forward with a revised code, but has compiled five key findings based on the significant feedback from the consultation that ended in March, 2021.

“The draft Code of Practice was a sincere attempt by the CRSC to provide a tool to serve all Canadian grain farmers and help Canadian agriculture to maintain a competitive advantage. On behalf of the CRSC, we appreciate that so many farmers took the time to provide feedback on the draft Code of Practice, Responsible Grain. At this time, no decision has been taken if, or how, to rewrite a Code to respond to the Responsible Grain consultation feedback,” the organization says.

The draft Code, Responsible Grain, was an attempt to develop a tool to serve Canadian farmers and to help Canadian agriculture maintain a competitive advantage globally, however, farmers said that the draft “missed the mark”, both in the tone and what was proposed as practices.

The key findings of the Responsible Grain consultation include:

  • Canadian and global consumers are showing more interest in how food is
    produced and whether those production methods are contributing to managing
    climate change.
  • Major food brands are expected to take a leadership position in addressing
    climate change and other sustainability issues—by their customers, owners/
    investors, lenders and employees.
  • Most food processors, retailers and food service companies have set
    sustainability goals, for both their internal activities and for their suppliers (which
    include farmer suppliers).
  • Governments in Canada see agriculture as a strong contributor to climate
    change solutions and other international sustainability commitments and are
    signaling that their policies and programs will change to help farmers meet these
    challenges.
  • Grain marketers and customers are being asked more questions regarding how
    grain is grown and see a benefit in having a “Made in Canada” solution.

You can read the full report, here.

The CRSC is also hosting two information sessions in late February to discuss the recommendations listed above.

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