Monday, October 30, 2023

Carbon credits remain mysterious

Farmers could be garnering money from carbon credits, but the complex system remains a mystery to most in Ontario.

The Smart Prosperity Institute has published a report that aims to educate farmers, but actually making money from adopting practices that reduce carbon emissions or increase biodiversity remains a daunting challenge, judging by the information in the report.


Ontario was a member of a carbon exchange with Quebec and California, but Premier Doug Ford cancelled that arrangement almost immediately after coming to power.


Farmers in Quebec can garner $30 or more for their carbon credits in this exchange.


Alberta and British Columbia are the other provinces that have some type and degree of carbon credits.


The 32-page report named Carbon Offsets for Farmers is available online.


The Smart Prosperity Institute is a national research network and policy think tank based at the University of Ottawa.


This report is a joint effort of the institute and Co-operators General, a national multi-product insurance company.