AUTHOR: Eline Blot

This webinar will look at some of the efforts being undertaken in Canada and the EU when it comes to adopting nature-based solutions in agriculture.

Wednesday 23 June
10:00-11:30 EST / 16:00-17:30 CET
Register here

Context

This event is part of a series organised by the Mission of Canada to the EU on common ‘green’ policy priorities, given the importance of environment and climate issues on both the Canadian and EU agendas.

Canadians and Europeans are increasingly concerned with how their food is grown and processed and its impact on the environment and public health. Considering the importance of the agriculture sector in meeting environmental and climate objectives, this webinar will look at some of the efforts being undertaken in Canada and the EU when it comes to adopting nature-based solutions in agriculture. The event will be co-hosted by the Government of Canada and the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP).

Topic

Nature-based solutions to climate and biodiversity challenges on farmland are getting increasing attention. They aim to contribute to emission reductions, improve soil management and the sustainability of production whilst also providing biodiversity benefits. Many aim to increase the scale of carbon sequestration and storage in agricultural soils and vegetation on farmland, while capturing many other co-benefits for nature and society. This event will explore some of the thinking taking place in both Canada and the EU in the area, including the role of incentives and other inducements to adopt a new generation of practices in pursuit of nature-based solutions. The role of policy in driving innovation and the wider adoption of good practice will be a key focus, but the conversation will touch on a number of areas.

The webinar will look to:

• Build mutual understanding and raise awareness of emerging approaches and agricultural practices that are already in place and that seek to contribute to sustainable development and climate objectives;
• Highlight funding, policy and regulatory initiatives that are supportive of these; and
• Showcase forward looking public research and development initiatives that provide innovative solutions for future challenges and improvements to current practices.

Moderator

David Baldock, Senior Fellow, IEEP

Speakers

• Javier Gracia-Garza, Special Advisor, Agriculture and Climate Change, AAFC
• Mike Mackenzie, Policy Analyst, DG AGRI, European Commission
• Karen Ross, Farmer & Director of Farmers for Climate Solutions
• European farmer representative [TBC]
• Dr. Alfons Weersink, Professor, Dept, or Food, Agricultural & Resource Economics, University of Guelph
• Dr. Ana Frelih-Larsen, Coordinator Agriculture & Soils, Senior Fellow, Ecologic