Alberta (Rural Roots Canada) – The Alberta government is introducing new legislation to boost agriculture while growing its biogas industry.
The proposed updates to the Agricultural Operations Practice Act aim to cut down on waste, allow farmers to supplement fertilizer with organic materials, and attract job-creating investment. If passed, the changes will clear up rules around handling manure and organic material, making it easier for farmers to store and use byproducts from biogas production.
In a news release, RJ Sigurdson, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, says this legislation will attract more biogas investment.
“Alberta farmers and ranchers work hard to put good food on tables here at home and around the world,” says Sigurdson. “With access to abundant organic material near livestock operations, Alberta will continue to be seen as an attractive place for investment in the biogas industry. Changes would provide this emerging industry with regulatory certainty to do business, creating good jobs in rural Alberta.”
According to the province, Alberta’s farmers, ranchers, and agri-processors generate approximately 3.4 million tonnes of organic waste each year, mainly from livestock manure and food processing. It adds many in the industry have been asking for more efficient and cost-effective ways to manage this waste. Right now, the act lacks clear guidelines on how organic material can be stored and used, leading to uncertainty around digestate, the leftover material from biogas production. Digestate can be used to improve soil quality, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Under the proposed changes, farmers would be able to store and apply digestate on their land. It would also allow for more agricultural waste to be sent to biogas plants instead of landfills, where it could be turned into heat, electricity, or renewable natural gas.
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At the moment, biogas operations are governed by a memorandum of understanding between multiple government departments. By turning this agreement into law, the province says it would give the industry long-term regulatory certainty and make Alberta an attractive place for the biogas industry to invest.
Industry leaders are on board with the changes. Kent Holowath, vice-chair of Alberta Beef Producers, believes there are benefits for everyone. “These changes remove barriers, create new energy-efficient income opportunities and strengthen Alberta’s leadership in both agriculture and energy, benefiting producers, consumers and the province alike.”
Chad Meunier, a board member of the Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association, points out the environmental and economic perks of biodigesters. “Investing in biodigesters is a win-win for both cattle feeders and the environment,” he says. “These systems allow us to capture methane, reduce our environmental footprint, and turn waste into renewable energy.”
Biodigesters are not without controversy. The proposed Rimrock Biodigester project near High River has received considerable pushback from local residents over concerns about odour, environmental impact, and industrial expansion in the area. Those residents opposed to the project have actively sought out public support and funding for a legal challenge.
