To Burn or Not to Burn is No Longer the Question

A quick search on the Internet will reveal how extensive clean air legislation has become, particularly in the US and Europe. It has become commonplace and compliance is mandatory. Any burning, even in agricultural areas, is carried out by special permit only and on a very restricted basis. The interconnectedness of the ecosystem between the rural and urban interface is becoming more understood and with that a greater appreciation by urban folk of the extensive ecological goods and services provided in rural areas to enhance soil, air and water quality. Many futurists are seeing this emerging area as a lucrative stream of income for agricultural landowners, but along with that comes our responsibility to be congruent with our image as “true stewards of the land”.

To sum up, if you do still depend on burning crop stubble as a management tool, it’s time to be looking for an alternate management strategy. In keeping with a tradition of creativity, innovation and market savvy, Saskatchewan producers and entrepreneurs are once again in the forefront in responding to this challenge.

SaskFlax is planning a workshop this winter to examine effective management strategies for oilseed flax straw. Plan to attend the Effective Straw Management Workshop on February 12-13, 2008 to learn more.

More information is available on the AEGP page about the Agri-Environmental Group Plan on Flax Straw Management for Improved Air Quality, a joint initiative between Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, and Saskatchewan Agriculture & Food.

Source: N. Lee Pengilly, The Saskatchewan Flax Grower, Fall 2007, page 5.