The evolution of nitrogen emission policy in Canada is, well, a bit of a dog’s breakfast. There’s overarching emissions targets, there are several regulations and standards to follow, plus, there’s funding and support to achieve some of this — all tallied up in a ledger that’s controversial (and confusing) in where numbers are added in,… Read More
The federal government has published the Clean Fuel Regulations, part of its plan to “decarbonize” the energy sector. The policy is a double edged sword for agriculture — on one hand, low-carbon-intensity fuel includes ethanol and renewable diesel, which can create marketing opportunities for corn, wheat, canola, and soy. But many fear that the end… Read More
The Canadian government has unveiled its awaited Clean Fuel Regulation (CFR), setting the stage for increased biofuel demand and production. Once fully implemented, the CFR is expected to cut up to 26.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas pollution by 2030, or roughly the amount of GHGs currently generated by the entire Canadian economy in two… Read More
If you’re tired of hearing about carbon credits or carbon offsets, let’s switch gears and talk carbon insets. A carbon inset credit is equal to a carbon offset — a metric tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent is either reduced or stored. The key difference, explains Dr. Sara Place, is that an offset is bought by… Read More
Eighty-six partners from different sectors across Canada have come together with a singular focus: to set a benchmark and identify the key indicators that establish a baseline for Canada’s food safety and sustainability. The process and findings also create transparency within the industry, which ultimately could create trust or showcases opportunities for improvement and growth…. Read More
Bill C-234 took a step forward on Wednesday, as the House of Commons voted in favour of it at second reading, sending it to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food for review. The private member’s bill brought forward by Conservative MP Ben Lobb would amend the federal government’s carbon pricing legislation to provide an… Read More
If I buy the best golf club, am I the best golfer? By the same token, if someone plants a cover crop, are they taking better care of soil health than someone who doesn’t? Not necessarily, says Shaun Haney, founder of RealAgriculture and host of RealAg Radio. The trouble is, policy can be prescriptive (i.e.,… Read More
In an effort to gain a better understanding of agriculture on the Prairies, Liberal Member of Parliament for King-Hants in Nova Scotia, Kody Blois, recently visited Saskatchewan to learn about innovation happening in the province, and to hear what challenges producers are facing. Blois serves as the chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture and… Read More
A section on page 192 of the federal government’s new emissions reduction plan that refers to a “green levy” on pickup trucks has caught the attention of many Canadians. Thousands of people, including many Conservative politicians, have not only read but shared a column titled “Trudeau planning a tax on trucks” that was published on… Read More
Agriculture received multiple mentions in the 2022 federal budget unveiled on Thursday, mostly in the context of climate programs that had previously been announced. The budget, with its projected $52.8 billion deficit, also included some tax changes that could potentially impact farmers. As part of this live episode of RealAg Politics, we unpacked what was… Read More
If there’s one thing clear in Canada’s Emissions Reduction Plan, it’s that very few things are completely clear. Take for example what agriculture is expected to deliver in emissions reductions. It’s either a reduction of one percent, as listed on page 90, or an increase of one per cent as listed on page 219. Or… Read More
Put aside for a moment your opinion on the current federal government’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. (Though, if you’re curious, you can read about what is proposed, here) There are two timeframes to think about in regards to carbon emissions — there’s the 2030 line in the sand, by which… Read More
The federal government has published its plan detailing expectations of carbon emissions reductions by 2030, by sector. This first of many Emissions Reduction Plans (ERP) sets out what each industry will be required to achieve under the climate plan to get Canada to net zero emissions by 2050. In a lengthy technical briefing Tuesday afternoon,… Read More
There is so much happening in the carbon credit space right now, even those with over a decade in the business are taking a cautious approach. Alastair Handley, founder of Radicle, based at Calgary, Alta., says he’s got two words of advice for farmers itching to sell carbon credits to the voluntary market: slow down…. Read More
Proponents of a new private member’s bill that would remove natural gas and propane used on farms for grain drying and barn heating from the federal carbon pricing system are hoping it will proceed on an accelerated timeline, given the fact the bill is very similar in wording and intent to a previous bill that… Read More
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