"Agriculture provides tremendous soil, water and habitat stewardship and conservation value  to the Canadian landscape. Innovative incentive programs for ecological goods and services can enhance these conservation efforts. The CFA strongly advocated for a 'Working Landscape Pillar' in the National Conservation Plan (NCP) that recognizes the stewardship potential of farmers, and is pleased to see much of this concept reflected in the study," said CFA President Ron Bonnett.

Currently attending the Rio+20 Summit in Brazil on behalf of the World Farmers' Organization, Bonnett believes the NCP has the potential to set a precedent for other countries.

"At the Summit, we are advocating for the need to build a global green economy and agriculture is inextricably linked to this effort. Agriculture can contribute to green, low-carbon economic growth and poverty reduction through improved management of crops, livestock, soil, water, and trees. Part of Canada's role in attaining this is the development of a conservation plan," Bonnett remarked.

"We encourage governments around the world to develop a National Conservation Plan in partnership with farmers and other key stakeholders, and we encourage our government to implement the recommendations made by farmers across Canada," Bonnett added.

The CFA has supported the need for a National Conservation Plan and has been closely involved since its inception.  The CFA views this as a necessary step in creating greater resilience in the face of environmental threats, stronger food security and reduced poverty and supporting more robust rural livelihoods - domestically and worldwide.