By Alice McFarlane

AAFC looks for ways to reduce emissions in agriculture

Nov 15, 2023 | 4:57 PM

Agriculture is responsible for about a third of all of Canada’s methane emissions and the majority comes from livestock.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) wants to find new ways to cut down on those emissions.

Methane is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential that is more than 80 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.

The New Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge, announced by Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Francis Drouin, will welcome new ideas which is part of the federal government’s plan to tackle climate change and mitigate the impact on farmers.

“The challenge has a $12 million budget, with both grand prize winner receiving up to $1 million each to bring their ideas to market. On top of the financial support, participants will receive mentoring and training from experts in the sector. At each stage, projects will be evaluated by a jury of independent experts recommending which ideas should proceed to the next step,” Drouin said in a news release.

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Funds will be awarded to innovators putting forward low-cost and scalable practices, processes, and technologies designed to reduce emissions produced by cattle.

Livestock producers and industry groups are already setting voluntary targets and goals to reduce emissions and these commitments are seeing results.

The Canadian Beef Advisors has a 2030 goal of reducing emission intensity from primary beef production by 33 per cent.

Canadian Cattle Association President Nathan Phinney said beef producers are global leaders in environmental stewardship and have half the world average of greenhouse gas emissions per pound of beef.

“The new challenge is well aligned with our beef sector’s 2030 goals, and we look forward to continuing to work with government to find innovations to help further reduce beef cattle’s emissions intensity,” Phinney said.

The Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) have set a goal to reach net-zero by 2050. The Challenge has been designed to accelerate these successes and reduce emissions.

DFC President David Wiens said dairy farmers’ progress in terms of reducing its carbon footprint is in large part because farmers embrace innovation and research.

“They do not shy away from applying new technologies and progressive ideas on their farms in order to improve their production and to protect the land and the environment,” Wiens said. “The Challenge will add to our toolbox and help us on our journey towards reaching net zero 2050.”

AAFC is inviting anyone with innovative solutions to reduce methane emissions produced by cattle to apply.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW