Grainswest - Spring 2023

Spring 2023 Grains West 22 A LUS (previously Alternative Land Use Services but now known exclusively by its acronym) is a national charitable organization created by farmers, for farmers. It provides cash payments for ecosystem services. The term “ecosystem services” describes certain intentional management practices that deliver public good. Such environmental benefits include carbon capture, water filtration, preservation of wildlife habitat and support of biodiversity. ALUS projects include creek corridor restoration; enhancement of water bodies, riparian zones and forested watershed areas, as well as the use of sustainability-focused practices to boost agricultural profitability in saline soil. In addition, ALUS conducts regenerative ag and enhanced grazing pilot studies. Most, though not all, projects focus on “additionality,” or changes that improve the environment.” “The world is beginning to see the role of farmers as much more expansive than has ever been considered before. There is a marketplace emerging for ecosystem services, and ALUS is a vector from that marketplace to the farm gate,” said Bryan Gilvesy, the organization’s CEO. “ALUS is leading the charge into that space, showing that, yes, farmers can produce food, fibre, fuel and ecosystem services from their lands.” Launched in Manitoba in 2006 by a group of agricultural and environmental groups, ALUS now serves 35 communities in six provinces. Since its inception, ALUS has helped more than 1,400 Canadian farmers gain some credit and dollars for their environmental contributions. The organization intends to eventually expand nationwide. “ALUS depends on grassroots energy to bring us to new places. We wait for the community to approach us. FOR SERV I CES R ENDER ED BY MADELEINE BAERG LEAD PHOTO: PIXABAY Stewardship programoffers payment for beneficial practices For generations, Canadian farmers have been careful stewards of the grasslands, watersheds and cropland their livelihoods depend upon. It is only recently, however, they have begun to receive wider public recognition and financial compensation for the critical environmental benefits their practices deliver.