VANCOUVER, BC - Across the country, farmers have long been responsible stewards of their land and their actions are key to reaching Canada's climate targets. Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of over $15.2 million under the Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program to support the adoption of clean technologies for 47 projects throughout Canada.
During a visit to Terramera Inc. in Vancouver, who received $2 million through the ACT – Research and Innovation Stream, Minister Bibeau witnessed first hand the work underway to provide more consistent and precise measurement of soil carbon. Through the adoption of clean technologies, it is expected that this project will help to encourage farmers and ranchers to adopt regenerative management practices and to be incentivized for the carbon they sequester.
Across British Columbia, up to $2.3 million will support five ACT Program projects. Under the ACT Program, farmers and agri-businesses will have access to funding to help develop and adopt the latest clean technologies to reduce GHG emissions and enhance their competitiveness. This funding is focused on three priority areas: green energy and energy efficiency; precision agriculture; and bioeconomy solutions.
Canada's agriculture sector plays an important role in the fight against climate change. Through the recently expanded ACT Program, it is anticipated that current pollution levels will be reduced by up to two megatons as a result of fuel switching and decreased fuel consumption. This program is already helping hundreds of farmers with grants of at least $50,000 for 50% of the cost of new grain dryers or barn heating systems.
Canada is particularly well positioned to sustainably feed a growing global population. This will be achieved by investing in research and innovation, increasing the number of farmers who are adopting beneficial management practices and facilitating their access to clean technologies.
Source : Cision