Cheryl Gallant, MP, (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke) will be hosting a town hall meeting this Thursday January 25th in relation to proposed federal methane regulations.
In December the federal government announced draft regulations to reduce methane emissions from dairy and beef cattle, known as the REME protocol.
The Town Hall aims to share information and discuss different aspects of what’s proposed and how it might affect farmers.
According to the MP’s press release: “The rules are not yet carved in stone, so farmers have an opportunity to provide input before regulations are finalized. “
MooseFM had a chance to speak with the MP Gallant about why getting input from local farmers is so important:
“Number one I want my producers (farmers) to be aware of what is being planned and what is being proposed” Said Gallant, “Our people are real people on the ground who would have to abide by these regulations, so I think it’s very important that they hear from actual farmers, not just farm organizations, but people on the ground who will have to live with the regulations and hear what they have to say on the workability”
Many industry experts will be at the meeting including shadow minister for economic development Lianne Rood as well as someone from the feed industry, from environment Canada and a local bio-digest company.
The Town Hall takes place this January 25th at 10 AM in Cobden at the agricultural hall
MORE about REME:
The Reducing Enteric Methane Emissions from Beef Cattle (REME) Protocol.
According to the Canadian Cattle Association the Reme protocol is intended for Cattle feeding farmers to reduce methane emissions through diet and “the use of feed additives and growth promotors” It will generate offset credits under the Canadian Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit system.
According to the government of Canada website The Reme Protocol “Aims to incentivize farmers to reduce enteric methane emissions (ie belching) from their beef cattle operations by improving animal diets”
The Government of Canada website states that it is seeking input from stakeholders on the draft REME protocol and that interested parties are invited to submit comments via email at: [email protected] by February 6, 20241.