On Feb. 3, Marie-Claude Bibeau, minister of agriculture and agri-food, announced the first wave of 60 approved projects under the Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program. The program will provide $17.9 million in funding for projects across Canada to give farmers and agri-businesses access to the latest clean technologies. The intent is to help farmers adapt to a changing climate and boost their long-term competitiveness, all while cutting emissions. This funding is focused on three priority areas: green energy and energy efficiency; precision agriculture; and the bioeconomy.
“The Government of Canada is working together with agricultural producers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Bibeau said. “The program helps them acquire more energy-efficient equipment and adopt innovative solutions to make their practices more sustainable. These investments build resilience to climate change and meet consumer expectations.”
She virtually met with female-led Fermes Janor Inc. in Farnham, Que., on the day of the announcement and was shown the new outdoor grain dryer and equipment made possible through ACT funding of up to nearly $421,000. This is one of nine ACT – Adoption Stream projects approved to date in Quebec, with federal investments in the province totalling up to almost $1.9 million so far.
“This funding is a key lever that contributes to the sustainability of our company,” said Marie-Claude Mainville, agronomist and manager of Groupe Janor. “It allows us to diversify our activities from a standpoint of sustainable production. Investing in energy efficiency provides both economic and environmental gains for all of Quebec and Canadian society as a whole.”