Consumers as well as producers will suffer, Senate report says.Ottawa—Agriculture and forestry have worked hard to reduce their carbon footprint and shouldn't be forced to pay a second time with the introduction of the federal carbon pricing plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, says a report by the Senate agriculture committee.While the committee doesn't dispute the need to take action on climate change, the report, entitled Feast or Famine, said the carbon tax scheduled to come into effect in the New Year could harm the export competitiveness of the agrifood sector and cause Canadians to pay more for their food.The committee recommended the government exempt farmers from paying the tax on fuel used in heating and cooling machinery as well as propane and natural gas used in farming activities. It should also provide incentives for beneficial management practices and develop offset protocols that would allow agricultural producers and forest owners and managers to receive income through carbon credits.The committee said its proposals struck “an appropriate balance between protecting the environment and supporting the foundation of Canada's economic well-being — Canadian workers and consumers.”The report also called for support for research “into the most effective and economical investments in taking action against climate change and expanding and developing incentives that recognize and reward resilient practices and the provision of ecosystem services.”Ron Bonnett, President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), participated in the release of the report. He said the report was an important step in gaining recognition for the problems the carbon tax will cause the agrifood sector. Farm groups have been making many of the same points for several years but have yet to get government to acknowledge how they've reduced their carbon footprint.The report reflects many of the ideas CFA presented to the committee as well as CFA's climate change policy, he said.“Instead of focusing entirely on the carbon tax and its potential ramifications, the report looks forward to solutions and investments that work toward an actual reduction in carbon emissions,” Bonnett said. “Climate change is not an issue that should be politicized. It is real, it is happening right now, and it will effect generations to come.”Farmers have been changing their production practices for years “to offset their carbon footprint, sequester carbon and increase the efficiencies in their operations,” he said. “Investing in further research and implementation of technologies can take Canada a step further in the fight against climate change.“Methane digesters could turn the emissions from animal waste into power instead of releasing them into the atmosphere. Research into more efficient feed technologies can cut down on inputs while simultaneously reducing methane emissions from farm animals. There is huge room to turn Canadian agriculture and rural Canada into a carbon sink.”Committee chairwoman Diane Griffin said if the government adopted the report recommendations, they would “help producers to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change, while also taking into account producers' competitiveness in the global marketplace.“To achieve a sustainable future we must provide incentives that spur innovation and motivate Canadians to make positive changes,” she said. “It will not be easy, but our report makes thoughtful, evidence-based recommendations that will allow more Canadians to help our country combat climate change.”The report said “can bring some benefits, it is also the source of significant risks.” Agriculture will be “one of the sectors mostdamaged by climate change; dryer, hotter weather has also sparked an increase in wildfires, which makes forests more likely to become a source of environmentally damaging carbon dioxide.”Alex Binkley is a freelance journalist and writes for domestic and international publications about agriculture, food and transportation issues. He's also the author of two science fiction novels with more in the works.