Today the Hon. Kevin MacAdam, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture announced a partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) to improve water quality and increase biodiversity on PEI farms. Through the Sustainable Resource Conservation Program, the Province and DUC will provide financial and technical resources to PEI farmers who voluntarily chose to construct or restore a wetland that receives runoff from agricultural lands or waste water sources.
Constructed or restored wetlands have the ability to assimilate 80 percent of the incoming nitrates, retain 94 percent of the phosphorus, reduce coliform bacteria numbers by more than 90 percent and retain 60-90 percent of sediments. Wetland construction and restoration in concert with other conservation land management activities plays a significant role in protecting environmental threats to surface and ground water. This program will also provide important habitat for wildlife such as black ducks, great blue herons, songbirds, muskrats and amphibians.
Minister MacAdam noted that, “Farmers in Prince Edward Island are very interested in doing their part to contribute to clean water and healthy habitat. In PEI, a greater portion of farmers have completed Environmental Farm Plans than in any other province and I am pleased that eligibility for the wetland program is linked to the EFP process.”
Mark Gloutney, Manager of Atlantic Operations with DUC acknowledges the leadership of the farm community on Prince Edward Island, “We have been talking to provincial governments across the country about providing assistance to farmers who manage natural lands that benefit the public through wildlife production, clean water and clean air. We are pleased that Minister MacAdam has stepped forward in demonstrating national leadership in recognizing that resources spent on private lands through the Sustainable Resource Conservation Program have benefits to the public.”
The Agricultural Policy Framework signed between all provinces and the federal government puts new emphasis on environmental protection. This new partnership between Prince Edward Island and DUC is an example of how conservation groups and government can work directly with farmers and achieve results.
Since 1938, DUC has conserved, restored and managed wetlands and their associated habitats for the benefit of North America’s waterfowl. These habitats – nature’s water filters – also benefit other wildlife and people. In PEI, DUC has agreements with 346 landowners; many of these partnerships are with PEI farmers.