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Senate addresses climate change and carbon tax

Senate addresses climate change and carbon tax

CFA pleased with recommendations from the recent Feast or Famine report

By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Farms.com

The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry released its Feast or Famine report yesterday. It presents goals and solutions toward reducing carbon emissions.

The report briefly examines the consequences of carbon pricing and provides recommendations and possible investments to mitigate climate change, a Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) release said yesterday.

It also highlights the effects climate change and carbon pricing could have on agriculture, agri-food and forestry.

“The Canadian Federation of Agriculture was extremely pleased to see the recommendations put forth by the Feast or Famine report, many of which are reflected in CFA’s asks during consultation sessions for the report, as well as CFA’s Climate Change policy,” Ron Bonnett, CFA’s president, said in the release.

The committee’s recommendations aim to protect the environment while also protecting Canadian workers and consumers, a Senate release said yesterday. 

Some of the suggestions include:

  • exempting fuel costs for heating and cooling machinery used in farming, as well as propane and natural gas used in farming activities
  • incentivizing beneficial management practices
  • developing offset protocols through carbon credits

Indeed, farmers play an important role in carbon sequestration. They also adopt innovative technologies to reduce their carbon footprint, Bonnett said. Ongoing research on farming practices can ensure Canadian farmers are operating as efficiently as possible.

“Investing in further research and implementation of technologies can take Canada a step further in the fight against climate change,” Bonnett said.

“Methane digesters could turn the emissions from animal waste into power instead of releasing them into the atmosphere.

“Research into more efficient feed technologies can cut down on inputs while simultaneously reducing emissions from farm animals,” he said.

Canada’s rural areas and agriculture can continue to be carbon sinks.

“Climate change is not an issue that should be politicized. It is real, it is happening right now, and it will affect generations to come,” Bonnett said.

“This report, if its recommendations are taken on by the federal government, will help producers to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change, while also taking into account producers’ competitiveness in the global marketplace.”

Better Farming photo

 


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