Conserving our soil! Agriculture Industry Launches 17th Annual National Soil Conservation Week

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2002

(Ottawa) – The agricultural sector draws attention to the importance of soil conservation as it celebrates the 17th annual National Soil Conservation Week from April 21-27. The event promotes awareness of soil conservation and highlights efforts farmers are taking to reduce soil degradation.

Soil conservation is vital both for healthy agriculture and a healthy environment. According to the Climate Change Action Fund Agricultural Awareness Partnership, soil conservation not only improves soil quality, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the same time.

"We realized if our farm was to remain viable for our future and those of our families we had to make changes," says Blaine Diamond a farmer near Winsloe, Prince Edward Island.

Diamond now uses reduced tillage and better crop rotation to prevent soil erosion. His efforts in reducing field tillage will also lead to reducded CO2 emissions. In addittion he will be establishing a soil 'sink' where carbon is accumulated and stored as organic matter.

Diamond is one of a number of producers whose conservation efforts are being highlighted as a part of the Week's awareness activities. See the attached backgrounder to learn about other producers in your area who have adopted environmentally sustainable practices.

While the National Soil Conservation Week serves as a focal point for many of the Best Management Practices producers are using, the Agricultural Awareness Partnership encourages more producers to adopt these environmentally and economically friendly practices year-round.

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The Agricultural Awareness Partnership is a partnership of agricultural and environmental groups dedicated to promoting sustainable practices related to climate change in the agriculture industry. Partners include: Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration division of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Soil Conservation Council of Canada, Eastern Canadian Soil and Water Conservation Centre, Canadian Cattlemen's Association and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture.

Contact:

Kieran Green, Climate Change Action Fund Producer Awareness Program (613) 236-3633, info@cfafca.ca