Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops Launches Code of Practice Consultations

Responsible Grain is a national Code of Practice being developed to demonstrate Canadian grain farmers’ care and commitment to the environment. The draft Code that is now open for consultation has been developed by farmers and industry experts as a voluntary, science-based Code of Practice. 

Led by the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops (CRSC), Responsible Grain is being developed to address consumers’ and customers’ priorities, and to provide practical solutions that support farms in continual improvement. Topics covered include soil and water management, nutrient management, pest and pesticide management, land use and wildlife as well as a section related to health and wellness. 

“The grain industry is being proactive in developing this Code of Practice through the CRSC,” says Cam Dahl, Chair of the CRSC. “We’re pleased with the dedication and involvement from our members, from every part of the value chain, throughout this process of developing the Code. We are now ready for the next step, gathering broad feedback from grain farmers and other stakeholders.” 

Code of Practice Consultations November 23, 2020 – February 2021 

Now developed in draft form, the next step will be consultations with farmers and other stakeholders. Farmers from all of the provinces that grow grains, oilseeds and special crops are being asked to provide input and help build the Code of Practice. The input received will help build a stronger Code that is practical, useful, and that will ultimately enhance Canada’s reputation with export and domestic customers. 

Ted Menzies, Chair of the Responsible Grain Code Development Committee, underscores the importance of the Code of Practice and the consultation process. “The thing that we need to remember is that we’re developing this in a draft form and that we are spending time for consultations across the country. It’s very important that farmers are part of the building process, part of the input as to what makes sense on a farm – economically, environmentally, and socially.” 

Due to continued meeting and travel restrictions, the consultations will be held virtually through web-based meetings and using an online feedback tool to gather input. 

Commodity groups and other grain value chain organizations who wish to participate are asked to contact the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops: info@responsiblegrain.ca. Individual grain farmers and stakeholders can get involved in the consultation by registering to access the feedback tool here. PAGE 2 

For more information about the Code of Practice, please visit Responsiblegrain.ca. 

About the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops 

The CRSC facilitates collaboration on sustainable agriculture issues and opportunities facing grains sector participants across Canada. Comprised of grower, industry, customer and consumer organizations, the CRSC assesses marketplace demands and showcases Canada’s performance in grain production sustainability. 

For more information about the CRSC, please visit Sustainablecrops.ca or contact execdir@sustainablecrops.ca. 

Media contacts: 

Susie Miller 

execdir@sustainablecrops.ca 

Rob Hannam 

rob@synthesis.ag 

See realagriculture.com’s coverage of the launch of the consultations with Responsible Grain development committee chair, Ted Menzies, here.