Coming carbon pricing scheme shouldn't alienate farmers, researcher says

Research suggests that greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by moving toward a vegetarian diet, but one University of Winnipeg professor says in light of new developments in Ottawa, it's important any forthcoming eco-minded policiesdon'talienate Manitoba farmers.

The House of Commons voted 207to 81to endorse the Paris agreement on climate change last week, after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outlined a national carbon price plan lastMonday that will begin in 2018.

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As the federal governmentgets ready to roll out anational carbon pricing plan,Ian Mauro, professor of geographyat the University of Winnipeg, said shifting attitudes on meat consumption andcarbon reduction modelsneed to be sensitive to life on the Prairies.

"We cannot move forward with the climate action and the climate policy that alienates our farm community, whether or not they are growing veggies and grains or meat and dairy," Mauro said.

Around the world, agriculture in general accounts for between 14 and 20 per cent of total global carbonemissions every year, Mauro said.Livestock in particular accounts for about 14.5 per cent of global emissions, Mauroadded.

"That's a staggering amount,"Mauro said. "What's happening in our bellies is a significant part of greenhouse gas emissions and it's a significant area for change."

Because it's easier to raise cattle than grow vegetables on the Prairies in the winter, Mauro saidthe solution in Manitoba may not be as simple as eating less meat.

Mauro saidmany farmers in Manitoba are already part of the carbon solution because of theway they are managing their land.Some are grass feeding their animals and creating more pasture land, which adds carbon to the soil and can be part of the solution," he added.

"These animals are actually mimicking bison.They are mimicking that kind of historical system on the Prairies and that actually creates re-growth of a bunch of plant material in the fields," Mauro said.

Maurosupports the carbon taxbeing mulled by the Trudeau government, but doesn't want to see it hurtsmall farms.

"We have to have a smart policy. We have to implement a policy that actually creates incentives for farmers to benefit from being proactive on climate," he said.