THE AGRICLIMATE DIAGNOSIS
WHAT IS THE CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION DIAGNOSIS?
It is a comprehensive diagnostic process developed for the main agricultural production types in Quebec. It enables users to address two aspects of climate change mitigation:
- Adapting to the climate
- Improving the carbon balance of farm businesses
THE DIAGNOSIS INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS
- Assessing the farm’s vulnerability with respect to changes in climate
- Climate data specific to the business
- Risk analysis for the business
- Analysis of selected actions to adapt to climate change
- Carbon balance (greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions calculator)
- Estimate of GHG emissions
- Estimate of carbon dynamics in soil and hedges
- Analysis of actions to consider to improve the business’s carbon balance
- Climate change mitigation action plan
- Key diagnostic data
- Summary document listing actions being considered by the business to adapt to changes in climate and improve its carbon balance
WHO CAN OFFER THE DIAGNOSIS?
Any agricultural advisor who has been trained by Agriclimate may offer the diagnosis. The list of advisors is available from Sarah Delisle.
Trained advisors commit to following the methodology developed as well as terms dictating how the diagnosis may be used.
Contact us to find out about upcoming training sessions offered by Agriclimate.
HOW DOES THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS WORK?
The Agriclimate diagnosis is based on a collaborative approach between the producer and the advisor.
The full process includes two meetings. It allows the farm producer to gain a detailed understanding of changes in climate, potential threats to their business, GHG emissions sources, and potential climate change mitigation actions to consider.
Depending on the producer’s needs, the advisor may offer just the adaptation component or the carbon balance component.
To learn more about the experience of producers who participated in the diagnostic process (in French):
HOW WAS THE DIAGNOSIS DEVELOPED?
The development of the diagnosis was made possible thanks to a vast network of producers, advisors, researchers, and subject experts in agronomy, climatology, and GHGs. The CDAQ receives financial support from the Quebec government through its Action-Climat Québec program and serves the objectives of the 2030 Plan for a Green Economy. It also receives support from Agriculture and Agri Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund program.
Scientific references
Information on changes in climate available through the diagnostic is specifically linked to the primary operating site of the business (to a specificity of 10 km by 10 km). Climate data are made available through a partnership between Ouranos and the CDAQ.
The GHG calculator is consistent with GHG Protocol directives and the IPCC. It also encompasses the latest scientific knowledge adapted to the Quebec context. Over thirty researchers and experts contributed to analysis and documentation efforts in the development of the GHG calculator.
