OFA comments on Climate Change Action Plan

Organization says it’s encouraged by the legislation

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture recently released comments in response to the Ontario Government’s Climate Change Action Plan, which is designed to help the province reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“The OFA is encouraged that the government intends to make climate change planning a priority,” the organization said on its website. It added that climate change is real, agriculture is part of the solution, and Ontario farmers have been ahead of the curve in trying to reduce greenhouse gases.

Before the provincial government officially released its climate change policy, reports indicated the government would try to phase out the use of natural gas to heat buildings – something Ontario Minister of Agriculture Jeff Leal has since denied.

“OFA is relieved to see that the plan recognizes the importance of this efficient, reliable and low carbon energy source,” OFA said.

Another component of the climate change plan the OFA supports is the government’s decision to introduce a cap and trade system.

“A carbon offset system is where agriculture can help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, or offer permanent emission reductions from farm activities, and deliver made-in-Ontario credit compliance options for GHG emitting industries."