MP Blois announces program open to applicants to help farmers and agri-businesses develop and adopt clean technologies to reduce emissions and enhance competitiveness Français
CENTREVILLE, NS, June 16, 2021 /CNW/ - Farmers and agri-businesses in Atlantic Canada and across the nation are leaders in climate-smart agriculture, finding new ways to make their operations more sustainable. To help them continue towards a low-carbon economy, the Government of Canada is supporting the research, innovation and adoption of clean technologies, including a priority focus on advancing precision agriculture.
Today, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, the Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants, Kody Blois, announced that the new $165.7–million Agricultural Clean Technology Program is now open to applicants. MP Blois spoke during a virtual visit at Elmridge Farm, a third generation vegetable farm specializing in naturally-grown produce.
This new program provides farmers and agri-businesses with access to funding to help develop and adopt the latest clean technologies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance their competitiveness. It will prioritize projects in three areas including precision agriculture, which employs technology to improve the sustainability, efficiency and productivity of agricultural operations.
The new program has two funding streams:
- The Adoption Stream will support the purchase and installation of proven clean technologies and solutions that show meaningful reductions in GHG emissions.
- The Research and Innovation Stream will support pre-market innovation including research, development, demonstration and commercialization of agricultural clean technologies.
The two-step intake process to apply launches today. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until funding has been fully committed or otherwise announced by the program. For more information about eligibility and to apply, visit Agricultural Clean Technology Program: Research and Innovation Stream or Agricultural Clean Technology Program: Adoption Stream.
The Government of Canada's strengthened climate plan supports the development and adoption of cleaner practices and technologies that further reduce GHG emissions and protect the land, water and air that farmers depend on for their long-term sustainability.
Quote
"Our farmers and agri-food businesses here in Atlantic Canada and across the nation constantly innovate and find new approaches to sustainably feed Canada and the world. Through the new Agricultural Clean Technology program, the Government of Canada is continuing to support their efforts by encouraging research, development and adoption of clean technologies including precision agriculture, to help protect the environment and grow their businesses."
- Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants
Quick Facts
- The agriculture sector has generated approximately 10% of Canada's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually since 1990.
- Canada's agricultural industry is already making contributions in the fight against climate change, as farmers and agri-businesses continue to make their operations more sustainable. Thanks to innovative best practices and technologies, agricultural production in Canada has doubled over the last 22 years while emissions have remained relatively stable.
- The new $165.7-million Agricultural Clean Technology Program will focus on three priority areas: green energy and energy efficiency; precision agriculture; and the bioeconomy. The program will allocate $50 million specifically for the purchase of more efficient grain dryers for farmers across Canada and $10 million towards powering farms with clean energy and moving off diesel.
- The program's two-step application process includes first submitting a Project Summary Form, which will help to determine a project's eligibility and alignment with program criteria and priorities. Those successful at this stage will be invited to submit a full application.
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada estimates that this program has the potential to reduce up to 1 megaton of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide equivalent) from the Earth's atmosphere.
- The new program is part of the government's strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, which is a key pillar in the government's commitment to create over one million jobs, restoring employment to pre-pandemic levels.
- As part of this climate plan, the Government of Canada launched the $185 million, 10-year Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS), to help develop and implement farming practices to sequester carbon and tackle greenhouse gas emissions. Budget 2021 committed an additional $200 million to support the adoption of practices that will accelerate emission reductions in the sector.
Additional Links
Agricultural Clean Technology Program: Research and Innovation Stream
Agricultural Clean Technology Program: Adoption Stream
Helping farmers and food processors adopt clean technologies to reduce emissions and enhance competitiveness
A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy
Agricultural Climate Solutions
Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth and Resilience
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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Oliver Anderson, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, [email protected], 613-462-4327; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972, [email protected]
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