Hon. Marty Klyne: Honourable senators, I rise before you today to mark the grand opening of the AGT Soileos sustainable fertilizer production facility in Rosetown, Saskatchewan. This event is a testament to the innovative spirit and commitment to sustainability that defines my great province. The new facility opened its doors on October 11, and is the result of the ongoing partnership between AGT Food and Ingredients and Lucent BioSciences. The Protein Industries Canada supercluster also contributed to the project.
The new facility is state of the art with a focus on sustainability, carbon sequestration and principles of a circular economy, and is a proud beacon of modern agriculture. Soileos is an example of smart fertilization, employing better use of micronutrients to boost yield on the same amount of nitrogen fertilizer, doing more with less. Soileos takes a waste byproduct and puts it back into the soil to benefit the growth of the next crop. It is made into pellets and, when added to the soil, binds micronutrients to cellulose and uses the soil’s natural biological activity to release nutrients to the crops.
The important side benefit of the Soileos suite of products is that it also results in lowering the carbon intensity of crop production. The agricultural sector has demonstrated tremendous potential for climate action, such as cover cropping, no-till farming, rotational grazing and intercropping.
Supporting initiatives like Soileos aligns with Canada’s objectives for a greener and more sustainable future. It is through the synergy of government, industry and community that we can create opportunities for future generations, protect our environment and ensure that Saskatchewan remains a thriving and resilient province.
Colleagues, the new AGT Soileos sustainable fertilizer production facility is more than just a factory; it is a symbol of our shared commitment to responsible land stewardship, environmental sustainability and the well-being of our communities. This facility showcases the potential for economic growth while respecting our precious environment. By utilizing cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, Soileos has shown that progress and sustainability can go hand in hand. Thank you. Hiy kitatamihin.