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Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, file photo. (Image: Canadian Press)

Freeland addresses producers concerns on 30 per cent fertilizer emission reduction target

Aug 30, 2022 | 10:28 AM

GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB – Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says the 30% reduction in fertilizer emissions by 2030 is a target and not compulsory.

Freeland was in Grande Prairie on Friday, August 26, 2022, and spoke to local producers as part of her day in the city.

She says Peace County and Canadian farmers are the “best possible stewards of Canada’s environment and of Canadian nature.”

“Canadian farmers are very smart business people. Fertilizer is expensive. I have incredible confidence that Canadian farmers do not use more fertilizer than they need,” she says.

Freeland noted that she understands producers try every year to reduce agricultural inputs so it costs less money.

“They try to have the maximum yield with the fewest inputs, and the least expense… and I know they do a very good job of optimizing both of those variables.”

“What I said to the Peace Country farmers I talked to is… I know that Canadian farmers are really smart,” says Freeland.

She noted, that with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, food security issues have arisen with that country not being able to continue their farming practices as normal.

“Today, the world needs Canadian farmers to grow as much food as they possibly can.”

Freeland said to Peace Region producers, “I want you to grow as much food as you possibly can, for yourselves, for your families, for the Canadian economy, but also because the world needs it.”

It was during the same visit to Grande Prairie that Freeland was verbally assaulted by a man as she entered an elevator. The man allegedly shouted profanity at her and called her a traitor.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has come out against the incident and called upon political leaders to take a united stance against threats of violence and intimidation.

READ MORE: Trudeau calls for leaders to take united stance after Freeland confronted in Alberta

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