New GIFS study shows Saskatchewan barley producers lead in sustainable production
For Immediate Release
(July 9, 2025) Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley) welcomes new research released by the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan, which confirms what farmers in this province have long known: sustainable production practices are paying off.
According to the comparative carbon footprint study released July 7, 2025 by GIFS, Saskatchewan and Western Canadian farmers produce barley with the lowest carbon intensity among global regions studied. The findings reinforce the success of modern, innovative farming systems employed by local growers.
“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.”
Using carbon life cycle analysis following globally recognized standards (ISO 14044 and ISO 14067), the findings are consistent with previous research on crops such as wheat, canola, peas and lentils. The report found that whether accounting for soil carbon sequestration or not, Saskatchewan’s carbon footprint for barley production was the lowest among studied regions, including Australia and France. “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 emphasizes that rigorous, evidence-based research is vital to informing effective policy and trade decisions. Ensuring that sustainability frameworks accurately reflect practical, on-the-ground outcomes enhances both credibility and alignment across the sector.
For more information on the GIFS report, visit www.gifs.ca/sustainableag.
For more information, please contact:
Serra McSymytz,
Communications Manager,
SaskBarley
smcsymytz@saskbarley.com
About SaskBarley – Led by a producer-elected Board of Directors from across Saskatchewan, the mission of SaskBarley is to identify, develop and support research, market development, and extension initiatives that establish long-term, profitable and sustainable barley production for Saskatchewan producers. Learn more.
