Is Peat Sustainable? The 2010 Peat Report Investigates

Is Peat Sustainable? The 2010 Peat Report Investigates

Is peat moss a sustainable resource? The horticultural use of peat moss drew criticism at last summer’s Seeley Conference, where a representative from the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) introduced guidelines and performance benchmarks for sustainable land practices that are critical of peat. But the Canadian peat moss associations and their producer members say critics are misinformed and there’s more to their story.

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To learn more about these criticisms and the peat industry’s response to the accuracy of these claims, Greenhouse Grower traveled to Quebec’s Rivière-du-Loup peat bogs that are currently being harvested and restored for perspective on whether or not peat is a sustainable horticultural resource. Additionally, we followed up with SITES for more perspective on its decision to deem peat non-sustainable and with Seeley Conference attendees for their reaction to the Sustainable Sites Initiative’s decision and peat’s criticisms.

Both sides of the peat-sustainability debate are, of course, presented within this report. Now, greenhouse growers can make an informed decision for themselves.

The Peat Report: Addressing Peat’s Sustainability
Peat’s sustainability came into question at last summer’s Seeley Conference. Now, Greenhouse Grower presents a special report to find some answers.

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The Peat Report: Peat Producers Take A Stand
The Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association responds to anti-peat guidelines in the Sustainable Sites Initiative.

The Peat Report: A Case Against Canadian Peat Moss
Greenhouse Grower tasked the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) with sharing perspective on its decision to deem peat non-sustainable. In this essay, SITES responds with its case against Canadian Peat Moss.

The Peat Report: A Case For Canadian Peat Moss
Greenhouse Grower tasked the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) with sharing perspective on its decision to deem peat non-sustainable. In this essay, SITES responds with its case against Canadian Peat Moss.

The Peat Report: Seeley Attendees Sound Off
How are other Seeley Conference attendees reacting to the peat-sustainability debate sparked at Cornell University? We followed up with a few attendees. Here’s what they have to say.

The Peat Report: Suppliers Speak Up
Peat producers say their industry has received unfair criticisms regarding their product and how they treat the land on which they harvest. Now, those producers are speaking up.

The Peat Report: How Producers Harvest
Proper preparation and miniscule harvesting amounts allow some bogs to remain productive for decades at a time.

Slideshow: Tour Peat Production Facilities
The production facilities of Berger Peat Moss and Premier Tech Horticulture were among the stops Greenhouse Grower made in September. Take a peek inside their respective facilities.

The Peat Report: Breaking Down Bog Restoration
In addition to harvesting peatland, producers are responsible for returning them to functioning ecosystems. Learn more about the seven steps they take in restoring peatlands.

Slideshow: Tour A Restored Peatland
Greenhouse Grower visited the Bois-des-Bel peatland during its visit to Quebec in September. Check out photos of the site and how restored peatlands compare to abandoned ones.

The Peat Report: Setting The Record Straight
The horticultural peat industry has been taking heat lately about how sustainable its product is. A recently created Quebec Peat Moss Producers Association website, however, offers a look at how peat is indeed produced sustainably.

The Peat Report: Fafard’s Hugh Poole On The Peat Industry
How important is bog restoration? Are criticisms of the peat industry legitimate or unfair? Greenhouse Grower dives in with Fafard’s Hugh Poole for the answers—and more.

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