When the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), it sent a clear message: these landscapes and the communities who care for them are essential to global sustainability, biodiversity and food security. Rangelands – spanning grasslands, savannahs, deserts and shrublands – support more than 500 million people worldwide and play a critical role in soil and water conservation, climate resilience and cultural heritage. 
 
For the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA), this recognition resonates deeply. Canada’s grasslands are among the most threatened ecosystems in the country, yet they remain vital to agricultural productivity, wildlife habitat and carbon storage. The CFGA has long championed the stewardship of these landscapes and the International Year offers a meaningful platform to amplify that work. 
 
Why the IYRP matters 
The IYRP highlights the essential contributions of pastoralists – people who raise animals on extensive rangelands using adaptive, knowledge-rich systems honed over generations. These systems are not relics of the past; they are models of resilience in a changing climate. As the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations notes, pastoralists preserve ecosystems, contribute to food security and hold diverse cultural and Indigenous knowledge that supports sustainable land management. 
 
Canada’s ranchers, graziers and forage producers embody many of these same principles. They manage variability, adapt to drought and steward landscapes that support biodiversity and ecological function. Their work aligns closely with global pastoralist values: flexibility, mobility and a deep understanding of the land. 
 
CFGA’s commitment to the IYRP 
The CFGA is excited to celebrate the IYRP alongside partners across Canada and around the world. Throughout 2026, the CFGA will: 

• Highlight Canadian grassland stewardship through stories, producer profiles and regional spotlights. 
• Share research and innovation that supports sustainable grazing, forage production and climate resilience. 
• Collaborate with national and international partners to elevate the role of rangelands in global sustainability conversations. 
• Promote the value of grasslands in biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration and agricultural livelihoods. 
• Engage producers, policymakers and the public in events, webinars and knowledge-sharing opportunities. 

This year is not just a celebration. It is also a call to action. As global attention turns to rangelands, Canada has an opportunity to showcase leadership in sustainable grazing and forage management. The CFGA look forward to celebrating this important year with its partners, producers and communities as well as to sharing the stories, science and successes that make Canada’s grasslands a global asset. 
 
Join us! 
The CFGA is hosting bi-weekly Zoom meetings to bring together people and organizations interested in doing activities to celebrate the IYRP. If you would like to join the meetings, please email [email protected].