Ensuring that the province’s beef producers are recognized for their work in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is one of the key recommendations in Manitoba Beef Producers’ (MBP) new carbon pricing policy.
Released today, the policy includes six recommendations as MBP works to see that beef production remains profitable and sustainable as the provincial government continues to develop its Manitoba Climate and Green Plan.
“Manitoba’s beef producers are key stewards the province’s natural capital, long seen as protectors of the environment, including grasslands, wetlands, and species at risk and their habitats,” said MBP President Ben E. Fox. “Every effort needs to be made to protect the sustainability of Manitoba’s beef production, both economically and environmentally if the province is to realize the objectives of reducing our carbon output.”
“In Manitoba cattle are raised largely on forages, pastures and grasslands. It is these pastures and grasslands that hold the key to the carbon sequestration needed as part of the solution, as well as helping to preserve valuable ecosystems and manage our water resources. A profitable beef industry in Manitoba is essential to protecting grasslands and pastures from encroachment as well as to achieving other environmental and conservation objectives.”
MBP’s six-point policy on the implementation of any carbon pricing regime is as follows:
- Exempt on-farm agricultural emissions;
- Recognize agriculture for the GHG reduction benefits it provides;
- Investments in research to further reduce GHG emissions through improved forage varieties and grazing strategies;
- Invest in initiatives and tools to enhance producer resilience related to climate change and severe weather events;
- Ensure trade competitiveness is maintained by aligning implementation of any additional costs and credits with those of our major trading partners; and
- Enact policies to encourage that agricultural lands remain in (or are returned to) pasture and forage production and grasslands, thereby supporting Manitoba’s cattle industry.
“A profitable beef industry in Manitoba is essential to protecting grasslands and pastures from encroaching pressures as well as to achieving other environmental and conservation objectives,” Fox said.
To see the complete Manitoba Beef Producers carbon pricing policy please
click here.
Source : Manitoba Beef Producers