By Alice McFarlane

Grain Growers ask senators to reject Bill C-234 amendment

Oct 24, 2023 | 4:05 PM

Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) wants the Senate to reject an amendment and pass Bill C-234.

The Senate’s Agriculture and Forestry (AGFO) committee had approved an amendment that would see the removal of the heating and cooling of barns and greenhouses from the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act.

GGC Executive Director Kyle Larkin said he was disappointed to see some senators on the AGFO committee vote in favour of the change that will only serve to further delay C-234.

“Proceeding with this amendment will cost farmers thousands of dollars which otherwise could be invested in the sustainability and efficiency of their operations,” Larkin said.

Grain dryers would remain exempt from carbon pricing on natural gas and propane. Bill C-234, as written, recognizes the lack of options for producers who need to dry their grain. Larkin said failure to reject the amendment on the Senate floor will lead to delays in passing the legislation, requiring it to be sent back to the House of Commons for additional review.

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Larkin said the same standard must apply to livestock ranchers and fruit and vegetable growers facing similar technological constraints.

“Let me be clear. There are no viable alternatives for natural gas and propane grain dryers on the market or in development. The same holds true for barn heating and cooling technology, which is far from meeting livestock requirements,” Larkin said. “Canada’s grain farmers stand with our partners in the livestock and grower industry.”

GGC added it was grateful that a proposal to shorten the sunset clause to three years instead of eight was defeated by a majority of senators at the committee level. This would not only have delayed the legislation even further but would have impacted farmers in the future.

Larkin said having the senators reject the amendment at the report stage and passing C-234 will provide some certainty for producers before the end of the year.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW