Ecolabel program highlights benefits of winter wheat across Canada

A new eco-label program launched earlier this week, highlighting the sustainability benefits of winter wheat for farmers, consumers and wildlife.

A new ecolabel program launched earlier this week is looking to bring winter wheat to the forefront of conversations about sustainability.

Ducks Unlimited Canada, Cereals Canada and Prairie Wheat Winter Growers have partnered together for the Habitat-Friendly Winter Wheat Ecolabel Program.

“This is the first ecolabel of its kind that demonstrates that winter wheat is actually duck friendly, or habitat friendly, crop on the Canadian prairies,” said communications and marketing lead for agricultural sustainability with Ducks Unlimited Canada, Karli Reimer.

Unlike other crops, winter wheat is planted in September. It grows throughout the fall and uses the moisture from the snow. When spring comes the ground doesn’t need to be disturbed for seeding, creating a spot for birds migrating back north to nest.

Reimer said Ducks Unlimited Canada has done extensive research on winter wheat. In the 1970s, they discovered that northern pintail duck populations were on the decline due to habitat loss. They are one of many birds who pass through the prairies each spring looking for a place to nest.

“Our research actually shows that ducks that nest in winter wheat are 24 times more productive than those that nest in a spring zone cereal crop,” she said.

The new program also benefits farmers. Gary Stanford farms near Magrath, Alta. and is also a delegate with the Alberta Wheat Commission.

Winter wheat runs deep in his blood, having grown it for more than 40 years. He’s been an advocate for its sustainability for years, adding that it improves his land quality by preventing soil erosion from high winds and increasing organic matter for future rotations.