Alberta’s government has introduced new legislation aimed at expanding and diversifying the agriculture sector while fostering the growth of the biogas industry.
The proposed updates to the Agricultural Operation Practices Act are designed to reduce waste, enable farmers to use organic materials as fertilizer supplements, and attract investment that creates jobs. The act and its regulations set standards for agricultural operations handling manure and organic materials. With biodigesters already in use in the province, these changes will provide clarity for those storing and using biogas byproducts as crop nutrients, encouraging further investment in biodigester facilities.
RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, highlighted the dedication of Alberta’s farmers and ranchers in producing high-quality food for both local and global markets.
“These updates will give them access to more nutrient sources for crop growth. With abundant organic material near livestock operations, Alberta will remain an attractive investment destination for the biogas industry,” says Minister Sigurdson. “These changes will offer regulatory certainty, fostering job creation in rural Alberta.”
Annually, farmers, ranchers, and agri-processors in Alberta produce 3.4 million tonnes of organic waste, primarily from livestock manure and food processing. These sectors have sought more cost-effective and efficient waste management solutions from the government.
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