VANCOUVER, 26 September 2024 – The Canada Climate Law Initiative (CCLI) is pleased to announce the release of its latest guide, “Cultivating Effective Climate Governance: A Guide for Small Farm Corporations in Canada.” This sector-specific resource is tailored for farms smaller than 5,000 hectares (12,355 acres) and aims to enhance resilience to climate change within the agricultural sector.

Climate change poses significant challenges to agricultural businesses, from extreme weather events to evolving regulations and market expectations. The purpose of this guide is to equip the boards of directors of smaller farm corporations with effective strategies to oversee these risks. By anticipating climate-related risks and opportunities, directors can help ensure the long-term success of their farm businesses.

Features of the guide:

• Climate change risks: The guide provides insights into climate risk specific to agricultural corporations. Directors will learn how to identify and assess climate-related risks (such as drought, flood, fire, and policy or financial changes) affecting their operations.
• Director duties: Understanding the responsibilities of directors in anticipating climate risk is crucial and not common information, despite the potential legal consequences. The guide outlines these duties and emphasizes the importance of proactive decision-making for farm corporations of all sizes.
• Risk management strategies: The guide shares governance practices for managing climate risk, empowering directors of farm corporations to implement effective governance practices.

“Our goal is to empower small farm corporations with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate climate challenges,” says Margot Hurlbert, author of the guide and Professor at Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Regina. “By integrating climate considerations into decision-making, farm businesses will be prepared for a fast-changing policy environment and increasingly extreme weather events.”

“As stewards of the land, farmers have a critical role to play in addressing climate change. This guide provides practical steps for integrating climate considerations into decision-making processes. By doing so, we can build more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems,” says Brent Preston, who farms vegetables in Ontario and is the President of Farmers for Climate Solutions.

The guide is available for download, including an executive summary, on the Canada Climate Law Initiative website. Directors, farmers, and stakeholders are encouraged to explore this valuable resource and take proactive steps toward climate resilience.

Download the guide: https://ccli.ubc.ca/resource/cultivating-effective-climate-governance-a-guide-for-small-farm-corporations-in-canada/

Join our webinar on October 29th to discuss the guide and climate governance in the agriculture sector: https://ccli.ubc.ca/event/cultivating-effective-climate-governance-what-small-farm-corporations-in-canada-need-to-know/

Media contact: ccli-info@allard.ubc.ca

About the Canada Climate Law Initiative

The Canada Climate Law Initiative (CCLI) provides businesses and regulators with climate governance guidance so they can make informed decisions toward a net-zero economy. Powered by the nation’s top expertise, we engage with boards of directors and trustees to ensure businesses understand their legal duties with respect to climate change. Our legal research allows us to stay one step ahead in a rapidly transforming policy landscape.

CCLI is supported financially by family foundations, and is led by Professors of Law at the University of British Columbia Peter A. Allard School of Law and Osgoode Hall Law School, York University.