Ottawa, ON – The Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) is proud to announce the release of two compelling videos, one today and one in the coming days, that bring to light the critical challenges faced by Canadian greenhouse growers in light of the upcoming carbon tax increase. This tax is set to rise from $65 per ton to $80 per ton on April 1st, 2024, imposing nearly $29 million in carbon costs on the industry this year, even after an 80% exemption.
The videos feature personal stories from individuals deeply embedded in the greenhouse industry: Linda, who was a greenhouse tomato and pepper grower in British Columbia for thirty years, and Daniel, a greenhouse grower and fervent advocate for Quebec’s agricultural community. Their stories detail the 23% increase in the carbon tax burden within a single year, delineating the profound and swift financial challenges confronting growers across Canada.
This initiative aims to illustrate the broader implications of escalating costs, which ripple out to affect food prices, consumer affordability, and national food security. The narratives underscore the urgency for accessible sustainable energy technologies and highlight the competitive disadvantages Canadian growers face on a global stage, especially against U.S. counterparts exempt from such financial burdens. A recent RBC report has underscored Canada’s shortfall in climate funding for agriculture, revealing that the U.S. and the EU allocate 1.7% and 1.8% of farm gate receipts, respectively, for climate funding, compared to Canada’s mere 0.5%.
In light of these pressing issues, FVGC calls upon Members of Parliament to heed the critical messages shared through these videos, and advocates for the passage of Bill C-234 as originally written, rejecting any amendments that will dilute its effectiveness. This bill represents a lifeline for ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of Canada’s greenhouse sector amidst rising operational costs.