- Project Name:
- CLIMATE ACTION THROUGH GRAZING (CAT-G)
- URL Identifier:
- CATG
- Project Description:
- The Canadian Government's "2030 Emissions Reduction Plan" sets a clear target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The agricultural sector, particularly livestock production, plays a critical role in helping Canada meet these ambitious goals. Our project aims to position Canada as a global leader in sustainable grazing and climate change mitigation by advancing grazing management practices that reduce GHG emissions and enhance carbon sequestration in Canadian grasslands. We will generate crucial insights into how grazing management influences soil and fecal (cattle) microbiomes, with a focus on understanding how these microbiomes can serve as drivers and indicators of increased carbon sequestration, as well as reduced methane (CH₄) and GHG emissions. To accelerate this process, we will develop rapid “bio-indicators” of carbon cycling in grasslands, providing early signs of positive gains in soil carbon storage and reduced CH₄ emissions—outcomes that would otherwise take decades to observe through traditional methods. In parallel, our project will investigate the socio-economic aspects of adopting these improved grazing practices and utilizing ‘omic’ bio-indicators. We will identify barriers to adoption, assess the perceived value among beef producers, land managers, policymakers, and the public, and evaluate the economic feasibility of our recommendations. This comprehensive analysis will help balance production economics with climate benefits, enabling us to develop strategies to overcome adoption challenges. By working closely with producers, we aim to ensure the successful implementation of these grazing management practices. Ultimately, this project will contribute to Canada’s emission reduction targets and provide the tools and knowledge necessary for sustainable land management and climate-smart agriculture.
- Principal Investigator (PI):
- HUB-Harmonization Link:
- Contact Email:
- admin@csdcc.ca