Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

Federal carbon tax could hurt farmers

Groups worry farmers could absorb carbon costs

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

Farm groups from around Western Canada are concerned the federal government’s carbon tax, scheduled to come into effect in 2018, could negatively impact producers.

Dan Mazier, president of Keystone Agricultural Producers told CBC that if fuel and fertilizers are included in carbon pricing, producers could incur those costs.

And farmers may not be able to make up the costs when delivering crops to elevators.

“For some farmers in a bad year, some of them that still have crops out there, this is going to really hurt,” Ray Orb, president of Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities told CTV. “We need to really carefully think this through.”

Orb told the Canadian Press (CP) that farmers, especially those practicing no-till farming, have left good amounts of carbon in the soil. They should qualify for some sort of credit, according to Orb.

Jan Slomp, president of the National Farmers Union, told CP the organization recognizes the need to decrease greenhouse gases, but said farmers need to be protected.

“We definitely need to have a protection of small-scale producers that they don’t end up being subjected to all kinds of rules and regulations that don’t leave them any room,” he said.

Provinces have until 2018 to decide between a cap-and-trade system or a price-per-tonne of carbon system.

The federal tax will in start in 2018 at $10 per tonne of carbon and jump to $50 by 2022.


Trending Video

How American Farmers Harvest 9.97 Million Tons of Rice by Machine

Video: How American Farmers Harvest 9.97 Million Tons of Rice by Machine

How American Farmers Harvest 9.97 Million Tons of Rice by Machine

Step into the world of large-scale rice farming with this eye-opening farming documentary! Discover how American farmers harvest 9.97 million tons of rice by machine, utilizing advanced agricultural technology to maximize efficiency and productivity. This video takes you on a journey from the rice fields to the processing stage, showcasing the innovative techniques that help meet global food demands.
Watch as American farmers harvest 9.97 million tons of rice by machine, using state-of-the-art harvesters designed to work swiftly and precisely. This farming documentary explores the entire rice production process, from planting and irrigation to harvesting and milling. See how automation and AI-driven machinery assist farmers in reducing labor costs while improving yield and sustainability.
This farming documentary also highlights the environmental considerations and resource management techniques used to ensure sustainable rice production. By focusing on how American farmers harvest 9.97 million tons of rice by machine, the video demonstrates the balance between technological advancements and responsible farming practices.
Whether you’re an agriculture enthusiast, a fan of modern machinery, or simply curious about where your food comes from, this farming documentary provides an in-depth and engaging experience. See how American farmers harvest 9.97 million tons of rice by machine, transforming raw grains into a staple food for millions. Don’t miss this must-watch exploration of the incredible innovations shaping the future of rice farming in this insightful farming documentary!