“Code” 2.0 – Next Steps

By Susie Miller, Executive Director, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops (CRSC)

Following discussions with grain farmers, the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops (CRSC) has decided to proceed with a version 2.0 of a “Code of Practice,” under the following conditions:

1. The focus would be on regulations and beneficial management practices that most grain farmers follow.
2. The new version would be developed directly with farmers, with sufficient time for full participation.
3. A format would be selected that highlights accomplishments and a suitable descriptor chosen to replace Responsible Grain/Code of Practice.
4. A plan for full engagement with grain crops associations and farmers-at-large would be developed and implemented.

The “Code 2.0” draft will be developed directly with grain farmers. In-person regional and/or online workshops to undertake drafting will be scheduled for November, early December and January, according to the availability of farmers and their associations. The format, schedule and locations will be established this fall by the CRSC Steering Committee and the crop associations. Drafting session options could include virtual consultations with boards/members of grain farmer associations and/or in-person town hall meetings with grain associations in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba and meetings with GFO in Ontario, PGQ in Québec and the Atlantic Grains Council on Prince Edward Island.

When Code 2.0 has been drafted by these grain farmers, the CRSC will engage in broader consultation, in late February and early March, with grain farmer associations and grain farmers at large.

In the meantime, CRSC staff and the CRSC Steering Committee have been working with the grain crop associations’ staff to develop background documents in preparation for the Code 2.0 farmer drafting sessions. The background documents will be available in English and French and will include:

• A mock-up of what a Code 2.0 could look like.
• Practices that could be included in a Code 2.0, plus analysis of Responsible Grain consultation feedback, current level of adoption and reasons to consider inclusion.
• Examples of how the Code 2.0 could be used by grain associations and others to demonstrate sustainability and meet customer requirements.

The CRSC would be happy to receive your comments and respond to any of your questions. Contact them at https://sustainablecrops.ca/contact-us.

Reprinted with Permission