By Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter) with files from Alberta Gov't and Team Alberta

Province to use $10 Million for farm energy efficiencies and reduce carbon tax impact

Oct 24, 2016 | 4:32 PM

EDMONTON –  Alberta’s agriculture minister has announced the province will take advantage of the Climate Change and Emissions Management Fund to help the farm sector reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Ever since 2007, large industrial C02 emitters which exceeded reduction targets have been paying into the fund. 

Agriculture Minister Oneil Carlier was on a farm outside of Edmonton on Monday, to confirm $10 Million will be used from the Fund for agricultural programs 

“In my discussions with agricultural producers, I have heard the importance of supporting greenhouses, dairy and livestock sectors in the transition to a lower carbon future. That’s why, in addition to our farm fuel rebate, we are putting additional funding in programs that will help producers become more efficient and reduce consumption, emissions and costs.”

The money will be used to expand existing programs that encourage producers to use energy efficient equipment and solar power. lt’s expected to the sectors mentioned by Carlier.  However, the program is open to all farmers. 

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According to government estimates, about 700 producers are using the program and it’s hoped that number will increase.  

The additional support is being provided through the industry-supported Climate Change Emissions Management Fund. The funding will support the expansion of the following programs:

— On-Farm Energy Management Program
Increase the percentage of capital purchases covered to 70 per cent from the current 35 per cent and increase the cap on funding to $750,000 (up from $50,000)

— On-Farm Solar PV Program

— Irrigation Efficiency Program
Increase the number of eligible projects by an applicant and increase the funding cap to $15,000 from $5,000 for specific types of projects

— Accelerating Agricultural Innovation Program
Allocate $1 million to help food processors retrofit their plants with energy-saving technology to help bridge funding until the Energy Efficiency Agency can be established.

The programs are projected to offset 120,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year, which is the equivalent of taking more than 25,000 vehicles off the road for an entire year.

The province has stated that “revenue from the imposed carbon levy will be invested in Alberta’s economy, creating good jobs, diversifying the economy and fighting climate change.” Information on the province’s Climate Leadership Plan can be found on the government’s website.   While the site lays out how differing groups will be impacted by the carbon tax, it does not identify how jobs will be created, as many green energy projects do not come with significant job creation. 

 After the announcement, Team Alberta released an announcement stating they were glad to see the province responding to their concerns about the carbon levy but, noted that much more needed to be done. Team Alberta, made up of industry representatives from the Alberta Wheat Commission, Alberta Barley, Alberta Canola Producers  and Alberta Pulse Growers, noted their groups have been voluntarily and continuously  working on improvements that help reduce Green House Gas intensity for decades.  The Growing Forward 2 (GF2) programs are essential to their producers. They noted those programs are already fully subscribed and the government’s investment will reopen them for new applications.