The Government of Canada has started to invest in farmers adopting clean technologies and sustainable agricultural practices thanks to their effort in reducing greenhouse emissions worldwide.

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, visited Ferme Roflamme Inc. in Saint-Hyacinthe. There, they announced the Government of Canada’s proposed investments to help Quebec farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change for a greener world.

“Climate change is having a significant impact on agricultural producers and they are committed to doing what it takes to mitigate its effects. Our government is making significant investments in a variety of agri-environmental programs to help them become more resilient and reduce their environmental footprint. By supporting them financially in adopting best practices and acquiring equipment that reduces emissions, we are giving ourselves the means to reach our goals by 2030,” explained Minister Bibeau.

A federal partnership with the three following organizations was also outlined. These partnerships will deliver the funding to farmers in Quebec under the On-Farm Climate Action Fund:

  • L’Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA), in collaboration with Producteurs de grains du Québec: up to $19 million to support Quebec farmers to adopt beneficial management practices for cover cropping and nitrogen management.
  • Canadian Forage and Grassland Association: up to $10 million to support Quebec farmers as well as farmers across British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan to plan and implement rotational grazing practices.
  • ECOCERT Canada: up to $4.5 million to help certified organic farmers in Quebec and across Canada to adopt beneficial management practices for cover cropping and nitrogen management. 

In particular, Sébastien Houle, Director General, ECOCERT Canada, shared his thoughts on the federal partnership towards a more sustainable world:

“Organic farms across the country are committed to a method of production that promotes soil health and responsible stewardship of the planet’s resources. ECOCERT Canada is pleased that the Government of Canada is recognizing these efforts by providing the organic sector with financial support through the On-Farm Action Climate Fund. ECOCERT Canada looks forward to assisting the farms that will participate in the program in improving their carbon footprint, through training and introduction to new agronomic practices recognized by the program.”

These administrators will distribute funding upon individual applications. Projects chosen through the Fund will reduce GHG emissions by up to 2 million tonnes by 2024, while also improving the health and resiliency of farmers’ soil. The Government of Canada will also invest $1.9 million to support nine projects within Quebec (including Ferme Roflamme), under the first phase of the Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program. The initiative will help farmers improve their long-term competitiveness by supporting the development and adoption of clean technologies; in particular, initiatives that promote green energy, energy efficiency; precision agriculture, and the bioeconomy.

The 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps to Clean Air and a Strong Economy, with up to $1 billion in government funding for the agriculture sector, will accelerate progress on reducing emissions and help Canada lead the world in sustainable agriculture.

These measures are designed to improve Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions, reducing up to 13 Mt from the previously recorded 72 Mt from 2005. The country is especially well placed to sustainably feed its consumers, increase farmers’ accessibility to clean technologies, and keep the economy strong as it tirelessly works to minimize its environmental footprint.