The Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley) is celebrating new research from the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) that puts Western Canadian farmers at the top of the global leaderboard for sustainable barley production.
Released on July 7, the comparative carbon footprint study shows what Saskatchewan growers have long known: their cutting-edge practices are not only boosting yields — they’re slashing emissions. Barley grown in Saskatchewan and Western Canada now officially has the lowest carbon intensity among all global regions studied, including major producers like Australia and France.
“This study validates the leadership of Saskatchewan barley producers in both productivity and environmental stewardship,” said Jill McDonald, executive director of SaskBarley. “Our farmers are on the front lines of climate-smart agriculture. The practices they’ve adopted — like reduced tillage, advanced crop rotations and precision nutrient management—are helping drive real, measurable change.”
Conducted using internationally recognized carbon life cycle analysis standards (ISO 14044 and 14067), the GIFS study aligns with earlier research on crops like wheat, canola, peas, and lentils. The findings hold true even when soil carbon sequestration is factored in or excluded.
“This kind of third-party research from GIFS strengthens our voice in international markets,” added McDonald. “This report can be used by our exporters, brewers and food processors to demonstrate the low-impact footprint of Canadian barley.”
SaskBarley underscores that data-driven research like this is key to shaping smart policies and trade strategies. As sustainability frameworks evolve, it’s essential they reflect the real, measurable progress happening in the field — led by farmers who are walking the talk.
Read the study here.
