As a result of their deliberations, committees may make recommendations which they include in their reports for the consideration of the House of Commons or the Government. Recommendations related to this study are listed below.

Recommendation 1

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada, in collaboration with the provinces, conduct an in-depth analysis of the status of Canada’s soils to measure compaction, degradation, element composition, and other important qualifying factors as well as an analysis to quantify the economic benefit of soil carbon sequestration.

Recommendation 2

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada examine quantitative water management techniques and invest in appropriate infrastructure initiatives to accommodate water excesses and deficits that meet the varying and unique geographic needs across Canada.

Recommendation 3

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada create incentives for farmers to adopt integrated watershed management and land use systems to improve downstream water quality in the interest of the public good.

Recommendation 4

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada take into account the realities of the agriculture and agri-food sector when implementing greenhouse gas emissions reduction measures in order to avoid making the sector less competitive.

Recommendation 5

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada continue supporting science, research and innovation in order to implement measures that are tailored to the local priorities of the agriculture sector, with the goal of strengthening its environmental sustainability.

Recommendation 6

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada work with the Pest Management Regulatory Agency and industry to mitigate adverse effects on producers and the environment that may result from banning pesticides without establishing clear alternative solutions.

Recommendation 7

The Committee recommends that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada continue to support research into livestock production in order to improve animal genetics and diet with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Recommendation 8

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada improve the approval process for new crop varieties in order to help farmers adapt to climate change quickly and seize commercialization opportunities while staying competitive in the market.

Recommendation 9

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada increase investment in research and innovation in ecological and organic agriculture to better reflect that sector’s growing proportion of the market, recognizing that this may yield benefits for agriculture in general.

Recommendation 10

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada provide full funding for the Organic Standards review beginning in March 2018.

Recommendation 11

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada support agroforestry as a way to increase soil carbon sequestration potential for Canada.

Recommendation 12

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada support agricultural producers and processors in Canada by adopting policies and trade agreements that protect our producers and processors  from economies that may not have the same environmentally rigorous standards as Canada.

Recommendation 13

The Committee recommends that climate change efforts be focused on adaptive measures and mitigation efforts, and providing a positive impact to economy, therefore building on Canada’s competitive advantages and maintaining competitiveness for Canadian agricultural products.

Recommendation 14

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada continue to support and allow for extension that complements research activities, in order to help close gaps between researchers and producers.

Recommendation 15

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada continue to support sharing of important information related to environmentally sustainable farming practices and adaptation.

Recommendation 16

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada acknowledge the role that producers play as environmental stewards and the innovative ways they are adapting to climate change, as well as their contribution to the public good, in order to strengthen Canadians’ understanding and build public trust.

Recommendation 17

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada encourage new and established farmers to buy into best climate-resilient practices, equipment and technology that will increase agricultural efficiency, long-term resilience and sustainability.

Recommendation 18

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada work in collaboration with the provinces and territories to support greater recognition and measurement of ecosystem services.

Recommendation 19

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada develop business risk management programs that meet the needs of producers of all scales, including diversified producers, and that the government continue to develop risk management support programs that facilitate producers’ innovative efforts to adapt to climate change.