Farmscape for October 11, 2016

Canada's Agriculture Minister indicates he anticipates a national carbon pricing system similar to that adopted in British Columbia in which primary producers have exemptions from carbon taxes on fuels.
The federal government has announced it's moving forward on it's election campaign commitment to create what's described as a Pan Canada Benchmark for Carbon Pricing.
Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay told reporters participating in a conference call Friday the Government of Canada is committed to making sure we have a cleaner and more innovative economy with reduced greenhouse gas emissions and, in partnership with the provinces, that's what will take place across the country.

Clip-Lawrence MacAulay-Canada-Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food:
I don't think it was a surprise to anybody.
We campaigned on this issue, indicated this would take place and our government is committed to creating a cleaner and more innovative economy and reduce emission and protect our environment.
We propose a pan-Canada benchmark for carbon pricing.
At a minimum carbon pricing should apply to substantially the same sources as British Columbia.
In BC primary producers have exemptions from carbon tax on fuel and also they have an exemptions in Alberta.
In June we had our policy meeting on the Agricultural Framework, it was indicated in that statement that we want to work on this issue too.
It's obvious that the country is concerned, the provinces are concerned and society is concerned.

MacAulay says the government understands that Canadian farmers are responsible stewards of the land and have developed best management practices and innovative and new technologies that have reduced greenhouse gas emissions, like capturing gas and zero tillage.
He expects farmers to be discussing this issue with their provincial ministers.
For Farmscape.Ca, I'm Bruce Cochrane.

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