However, the Glasgow climate change conference was also criticized for not emphasizing agriculture enough. For example, agricultural discussions were included in nature and land use rather than on a specific day and many said more farmers should have been on the agenda.
Countries did commit to changing agricultural policies to be more sustainable and to invest in research to attain those goals. The Glasgow food and climate declaration called on jurisdictions to make food policies part of their climate action plans.
One of the strongest commitments came from United States President Joe Biden, who pledged to make soil the next carbon frontier and announced AIM for Climate, or AIM4C. More than 30 countries support the initiative to find new innovation in smart agriculture and sustainable food systems, although the plan drew criticism from some who say it supports business as usual for now.
The UN said nitrous oxide emissions from soils, fertilizer and manure, as well as methane production from ruminant animals and paddy rice cultivation, are the main concerns.
“At COP26, governments recognized that soil and nutrient management practices and the optimal use of nutrients lie at the core of climate-resilient, sustainable food production systems and can contribute to global food security,” said the statement. “It was also recognized that while livestock management systems are vulnerable to climate change, improving sustainable production and animal health can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing sinks on pasture and grazing lands.”
Delegates recognized that better alignment between international organizations and financial backers is required for more impact in agriculture. The World Bank intends to spend $25 billion annually to 2025 as part of its climate plan and will focus on agriculture and food systems.
Farmers from around the world have said they can meet climate goals, but they need to remain economically sustainable.
Mueni Mutinda, senior policy adviser at the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, told a session that farmers’ needs and expectations, research investment, extension and capacity building, and ambitious financial frameworks all have to be part of a just transition.“
As farmers we want to play our part in this global action to create climate resilient food systems and we need an enabling framework to deliver broad sustainable outcomes while boosting a dynamic agricultural sector,” she said.
Frank Annau, director of environment and science policy at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, told the same meeting that farmers have adopted direct seeding, cover crops, intercropping and practices to replenish soil and reduce emissions while boosting production.
“These solutions exist, and the key challenge is ensuring that farmers have the support needed for implementation,” he said. “Ambitious climate action must engage farmers on the financial models needed to help them continue producing food both economically and environmentally. Finally, net zero carbon will only be reached by science-based ambition that harnesses nature-based solutions. These solutions include direct economic support for farmers for best practices, enhanced ecosystem services, services such as soil salinity control and biodiversity conservation.”
He also said supporting farm stewardship can be an income stream particularly for women farmers around the world.
“Solutions that provide economic and environmental benefits are key to driving more political ambition across all climate action,” he said. “Let farmers help lead the way.”
