Alberta to spend $81M helping farmers lessen carbon footprint

By Tim Kalinowski on January 30, 2018.

tkalinowski@medicinehatnews.com @MHNTimKal

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry minister Oneil Carlier announced Monday on behalf of his government, and his federal government colleagues, a new $81-million fund over four years to help producers and processors lower their carbon footprint.

“Alberta’s agriculture sector has long been at the forefront of adopting innovative new practices and enhancing environmental stewardship,” said Carlier. “Which is why we are working with our farmers, ranchers and ag-producers to continue to transition to a low carbon economy.

“This funding is a direct investment to support the agriculture sector to meet the priorities set out in the climate leadership plan. Alberta’s agriculture sector wants to improve the efficiency of operations and reduce emissions to reduce its carbon footprint.”

According to details released by the province, of the $81 million, about $42-million would be spent in the Farm Energy and Agri-processing Program, designed to “encourage energy management, which will result in cost savings, energy conservation and, ultimately, reduced greenhouse gas emissions.” Funding in this program will be up to a maximum of $250,000 per year per applicant, and will be cost-shared 50/50 with said applicant.

Of the funds remaining, $8.5 million will be spent to help farms utilize more solar energy in their operations, and another $9.5 million will be spent on irrigation efficiency. The remaining $21 million will go toward initiatives of energy savings for agri-processors, and is intended for any company that adds value to a primary commodity to improve energy efficiency with projects over $250,000. The final terms and conditions of this program are still being finalized.

Carlier said he expects a lot of uptake from the Alberta agricultural sector for the new funds.

“Right off the bat, we (expect we) are going to have 300 (applications) in the hopper ready to go,” he stated, citing the number of applicants on waiting lists for existing programs. “I suspect there is going to be many more as well.”

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