Growing concern around impacts from federal government’s reduction of emissions

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By Cole Parkinson
Taber Times
cparkinson@tabertimes.com

With the federal government targeting a reduction of 30 per cent in national fertilizer commissions by 2030, the Municipal District of Taber is concerned about the effects that will bring to farmers and food production.

“I have a concern and I have asked our RMA (Rural Municipalities of Alberta) representative what is being done on these issues and one of them is with regard to the email Councillor (Brian) Hildebrand sent out about the federal government pushing for a reduction of emissions as a condition of business risk management,” stated Reeve Merrill Harris at M.D. council’s regular meeting on July 19. “Basically, the farming industry, the government’s proposal would harm crop yields and profits on farms. I asked our RMA representative if there’s any active resolutions to this effect and he hasn’t got back to me. I’m just wondering if council feels like we should submit something to Foothills little Bow and RMA on these issues on fertilizer and the government’s proposal on emission reduction on farms and linking it to the business risk management program.”

According to Fertilizer Canada, the industry in Canada supports over 76,000 jobs across the country and contributes nearly $13 billion to Canada’s GDP. And with the population of the world continuing to grow, food security continues to be a major topic.

“Most definitely it will change the entire practice of our agriculture, which then in turn, impacts our food supply. At minimum, we should be bringing it to RMA, if not going further up the ladder,” added Deputy Reeve Tamara Miyanaga.

“They estimate eight billion people and this propels does nothing but reduce farm input of farm production. I just don’t believe it is the right thing to be doing,” continued Harris. “It’s a big issue our federal government is pushing to reduce emissions from fertilizers to net zero and the impact that will have on farms and profitability on farms, and food production.”

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