This report explores the application and effectiveness of on-farm greenhouse gas (GHG) estimation tools as the Canadian agricultural sector strives towards net-zero emissions by 2050. The report examines selected domestic and international GHG tools, assessing their relevance and utility for the Canadian agricultural landscape.

It further identifies the significant role these tools could play in capturing accurate emissions data at the farm level, which is an important factor in shaping policies and practices for carbon reduction. The report also discusses the challenges impeding the widespread adoption of GHG tools, such as complexity, lack of regional specificity, and the barriers to accessing necessary technologies. Opportunities for public policy to encourage tool adoption through incentives, enhanced support, and clearer communication are outlined.

Additionally, recommendations are offered to enhance the effectiveness of these tools in accelerating decarbonization efforts. These recommendations include aligning tools with market and regulatory requirements, simplifying the use of the tools, enhancing farmer engagement, improving data accuracy at the farm level, and ensuring the tools are integrated into broader farm management systems. The report aims to bridge the gap between current practices and the potential for improved environmental performance in Canadian agriculture, supporting a strategic approach to achieving national net-zero targets.

Key takeaways

• It is critical to design GHG tools that are ‘fit-for-purpose’ and specifically tailored to meet the diverse needs of different farming operations across Canada. Ensuring these tools are scientifically accurate, practically relevant, and user-friendly for indicative, educational, or compliance purposes will enhance their utility for Canadian farmers.
• A significant gap exists in data accuracy, and the sector has a pressing need for tools that reflect the regional diversity of Canadian agriculture. Developing tools that account for regional specificity will improve the precision of emission tracking and support localized management strategies.
• A major barrier to the adoption of GHG tools is the absence of clear economic incentives. Aligning these tools with financial benefits could greatly enhance their attractiveness and uptake among farmers.
• Better integration of GHG tools with existing agricultural management systems is needed. This integration can reduce the operational burden on farmers and increase the practical utility of emissions data in everyday agricultural practices.
• Enhanced collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to standardize GHG measurement approaches. Such collaboration would ensure that Canadian agricultural products remain competitive internationally, particularly as environmental sustainability becomes a more critical factor on global markets.

This report was funded in part by Scotiabank’s Net-Zero Research Fund and by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriAssurance Program.

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