Fact sheets support amendments to Agricultural Operation Practices Act

“The recent amendments to the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA) introduced through Bill 44 were designed to modernize Alberta’s approach to managing organic materials in agriculture,” says Deanne Madsen, nutrient management specialist with the Alberta government. These changes support the growth of the agriculture, agri-processing and bioenergy sectors by:

• providing sustainable alternatives for managing organic materials such as digestate and other agri-processing by-products
• clarifying definitions within the legislation including what qualifies as “organic materials” under the AOPA
• enhancing flexibility for agricultural producers for the movement, storage and land application of organic materials
• reducing regulatory barriers while maintaining environmental protection standards, particularly around manure management and nutrient stewardship

To help agricultural operators and others better understand their responsibilities in managing allowable organic materials under the AOPA, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation has released 3 new fact sheets.

“These fact sheets provide practical guidance for farmers, ranchers, agri-processors and biodigesters using organic materials including digestate (a by-product of biogas production) as nutrient sources to support crop growth and soil health,” explains Madsen. “To clarify which organic materials are covered under the legislation and what is required for storage, application and compliance, producers can refer to the new fact sheets.”