Alberta taps climate change fund to help farmers reduce CO2 emissions

Alberta is tapping into its industrial carbon levy fund to help the farm sector reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The province said it will spend $10 million to expand existing programs that encourage producers to use energy efficient equipment and solar power.

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Agriculture Minister Oneil Carlier said the program will help greenhouse operators, irrigators, the dairy and the livestock sectors but is open to all farmers.

“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,” Carlier said.

“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.”

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The government estimates about 700 producers are using the program and hopes to increase that number.

The money is coming from the Climate Change and Emissions Management Fund.

Large industrial CO2 emitters that exceed reduction targets have been paying into the fund since 2007.