OTTAWA, June 7, 2016 – The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), Pollinator Partnership (P2), and Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) are pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2016 Canadian Farmer-Rancher Pollinator Conservation Award. Individuals or families in Canada currently implementing pollinator protection measures on their farm or ranch are encouraged to apply.
The award recognizes farmers and ranchers who have made significant efforts in conserving natural ecosystems, fostering additional pollinator habitat and protecting pollinators on Canadian farms and ranches.
“There is no question that the agriculture industry has an important role to play when it comes to protecting pollinators,” said CFA President Ron Bonnett. “This award not only provides an opportunity to recognize some of the innovative and long-term solutions Canadian farmers are implementing to support the conservation of our pollinating species, but also encourages discussion about the vital impact pollinators have on our ecosystem.”
More information about the award and the nomination process can be found here. Nominations are open until August 12, 2016. The recipient of the 2016 award will be recognized during an evening reception at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington D.C. on October 18, 2016, and will also be featured in various industry publications across Canada.
“Pollinators are incredibly important to our food supply. A thriving pollinator system and agricultural practices can exist simultaneously – this award and the applications demonstrate that,” said P2 Research Director Victoria Wojcik.
CFGA Environment Committee Co-Chair Chad Anderson added, “This award provides a unique opportunity to showcase good management practices that are benefiting not only pollinators, but a whole suite of species and wildlife in general. Recognition of the award nominees is a way to share the good practices with the public and also other producers. Agriculture lands provide ecosystem services that benefit society in many ways.”
CFA: The Canadian Federation of Agriculture is the country’s largest general farm organization. Its members include provincial general farm organizations, national and inter-provincial commodity organizations – representing over 200,000 Canadian farmers and farm families through its members. Founded in 1935 to provide Canada’s farmers with a single voice in Ottawa, the CFA works on behalf of Canada’s farmers to ensure the continued development of a viable and vibrant agriculture and agri-food industry in Canada. cfa-fca.ca
P2: The Pollinator Partnership (P2) is a not-for-profit corporation in the US and Canada that, since its inception in 1997, has established itself as an innovator in pollinator protection across North America. P2 works to promote widespread collaborative stewardship practices on open and working lands, within institutions, and among individuals. One of P2’s strategies is to improve the health and survival of all species by promoting the importance and wonder of pollinators, and by protecting their habitats. pollinator.org
CFGA: The CFGA is the national voice for producers whose livelihoods are dependent upon forage/grassland production. It is committed to promoting sustainable management and addressing production issues and trade barriers. canadianfga.ca
For more information, please contact:
Canadian Federation of Agriculture
Janice Hal
Directors of Communications
613-236-3633
communications@canadian-farmers.ca
Pollinator Partnership
Victoria Wojcik
Research Director
647-546-3890
vw@pollinator.org
Canadian Forage and Grassland Association
Chad Anderson
Environment Committee Co-Chair
519-331-0526
andersonagronomyservices@live.ca