By Ian Holmes

Foord expert with ominous warning of impacts of climate change

Jun 16, 2016 | 4:41 PM

One of Canada’s top food distribution experts is concerned about the impact warming temperatures could have on food production on the Prairies.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, professor of food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University, says scientists expect climate change in Canada will hit hardest on the Prairies.

He says the Prairies are a critical food source domestically and around the world.

“Prairies are one of the major bread baskets of the world. Canada is the number one exporter of lentils, top five exporter of barley and oats and are in the top ten for wheat,” said Charlebois.

“This is very important, not only for our own food security, but for global security.”

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Charlebois says expected droughts on the Prairies in the years ahead could send food prices up much higher than what we’re seeing now.

“Every time there’s a drought somewhere in the world, it does affect food prices. But if we actually see climate change affect our own ability to grow products, we may actually be impacted as Canadians. In grocery stores, farmers’ markets and restaurants, we may potentially see food prices go up much, much higher than what we’re seeing now.”

More irrigation and improved watershed protection policies are needed, as is a meaningful national food strategy, according to Charlebois.

“We also need to connect agricultural Canada with urban Canada, because what happens in cities of course will impact what goes on in the Prairies eventually because we’re talking about climate change. Pollution doesn’t just stop in cities, it spreads out, so we need to make sure all dots are connected.”