Agriculture Carbon Alliance formed to coordinate ag's role in Canadian carbon economy

A national coalition of industry-wide farm organizations have launched the Agriculture Carbon Alliance (ACA).

The goal of the alliance is to ensure that “Canadian farmers’ sustainable practices are recognized through a policy environment that maintains their competitiveness, supports their livelihoods, and leverages their critical role as stewards of the land,” the organization says.

As of March 1, 2021, the ACA’s members include:

• Canadian Canola Growers Association
• Canadian Federation of Agriculture
• Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
• Grain Growers of Canada
• Canadian Pork Council
• Egg Farmers of Canada
• Chicken Farmers of Canada
• Turkey Farmers of Canada
• Canadian Horticultural Council
• Canadian Hatching Egg Producers

The ACA is co-chaired by Dave Carey, vice-president, government and industry relations, Canadian Canola Growers Association, and Scott Ross, assistant executive director, Canadian Federation of Agriculture.

The ACA is positioning itself to “advocate for constructive and evidence- based policies regarding carbon pricing, offsets, retrofit funding, and related environmental policies” to the federal government, particularly Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). The group will also initiate research, analysis, and information sharing focused on supporting the continued growth and sustainability of Canadian agriculture, it says.

“Farmers have a history of rapidly adopting new technologies that have proven to soften their environmental footprint while protecting their profitability. Sharing the story of Canadian agriculture’s history of innovation will be an important part of ACA’s advocacy,” the group says.

Coinciding with a Conservative private member’s bill to exempt on-farm use of propane and natural gas from the federal carbon tax passing second reading, Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson announced last week that they plan to introduce carbon tax rebates for the use of these fuels. The government is also expected to introduce its draft regulations for a national carbon offset framework in the coming weeks.

Related:

• Federal ministers promise carbon tax rebates as Conservative bill to exempt on-farm propane and natural gas passes 2nd reading
• Details on Liberals’ planned carbon offset system expected soon