Agri-Environment Services Branch (AESB)

Transcription

1 Agri-Environment Services Branch (AESB) competitive agriculture & agri-food sector healthy environment

2 Agriculture Economy Environment agriculture and agri-food sector is a key contributor to Canada s economy agriculture helps meet the Government of Canada s objective of a healthier environment for all Canadians ~ 230,000 farmers manage over 167 million acres (67.6 million ha) of agricultural land Health of the Environment and Innovation for Growth are two of AAFC s strategic outcomes Agri-Environment Services Branch created to help address environmental priorities more effectively and efficiently

3 Agri-Environment Services Branch (AESB) A relatively new national branch of AAFC with expertise and innovative environmental solutions for the sector science-based with integrated technical, professional and practical expertise focused on finding regionally-relevant solutions for national priorities working with partners in a strategic & collaborative manner

4 AESB Environment Priorities Developing the next generation of agri-environmental knowledge creation/transfer and measurement initiatives Promoting approaches and Beneficial Management Practices to address nutrient management, greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation [Climate Change] Implementing Canada s contribution to the Global Research Alliance (Climate Change Mitigation) 33 Countries AGGP Program 27M$ - Cropping Systems / Livestock / Agroforestry/ Water Use Efficiency

5 AESB Priorities Continue to develop and implement the AESB Organizational Structure focussed on increasing the capacity in the Regions. For forages Development of a Grassland Applied Technology Centre based in Kamloops Partnered / Collaborative focal point Resilience and sustainability in Grassland-based Agriculture

6 AESB: Integrating Knowledge, Skills and Expertise Agri-Environmental Policy and Strategic Priorities Agri-Environmental Knowledge, Information and Technology Agri-Environmental Adaptation and Practice Change Policy research, development and implementation Biophysical and socio-economic analysis Applied research Development of best practices Resource-based information Decision-support tools Technical transfer activities Implementing best practices Capacity development Agronomy Environmental Science Engineering Geomatics Economics Climatology Political Science

7 AESB Projects

8 Community Pastures Program The pastures cover 929,000 hectares and are primarily native species pastures (over 80%). over 200,000 head of livestock with average grazing season of 140 days. Provides Breeding services to patron cattle CPP owns 3000 bulls rents another 700 rented 2800 patrons that participate in the program.

9 Living Laboratory Range Condition/Range Health Monitoring Provincial Range Health Protocol Provincial Stocking Rates Carbon Benchmarking Grazing Response Index Two sites BC and Auvergne-Wise Creek Pasture Partnership with TRU Sustaining Grassland Ecosystems in the Face of Climate Change Resource Extraction Mitigation Brush Management Range and Pasture Days

10 Invasive Alien Species Development and Extension of Tools to Control Alien Invasive Species Project: 75% reduction in SR Leafy Spurge - $20 M/year (MB) Improved Biological Control of Leafy Spurge Beetles Integrated approach for Leafy Spurge control multi-species grazing, biological control, mowing, burning, chemical AESB Community Pasture Program early detection, recording, control and monitoring program Development, Education and Extension of BMPs for Invasive Alien Species Control

11 Species at Risk (SAR) Decision Support Products 31 SAR are found on AAFC s Community Pastures AAFC s SAR@Work team develops place based tools for each of the 85 Pastures to demonstrate due diligence and ensure compliance with SARA Tools include sensitivity calendars, interactive maps, setbacks, fact sheets, decision trackers, field training AAFC SAR products are being adopted/adapted across Canada by DND, Parks, industry and others

12 Other Projects Manitoba Benchmarking Carden Plain Rotational Grazing Trial Grassland Biodiversity TransAlta Tsuu T ina First Nations Sustainable Grazing and Mentor Program. Cowboy Pasture Planner Wealthy Rancher Alley Cropping Silvopasture Planning For Biodiversity Guide Pollinator Study Landscape Hydrology and Pasture Productivity Pasture Schools

13 Riparian Health Information Development Project Project objectives are to determine: Can the use of high resolution imagery and object orientated software be used to classify riparian zones by vegetative class? Can the health of riparian zones be determined using spectral, spatial and relational attributes of riparian vegetative classes? Applications of the Protocol: Large scale status and trends monitoring and reporting Program targeting and evaluation Watershed management plans Community pasture plans

14 Questions/Comments Scott Wright Kerry LaForge (306) (306)

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