December 10, 2023 | Government of Canada |
In a significant move towards sustainable agriculture, Canada has introduced a draft protocol under its Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System, focusing on reducing enteric methane emissions from beef cattle. Published by Environment and Climate Change Canada on Food and Agriculture Day at COP28, the protocol, known as the Reducing Enteric Methane Emissions from Beef Cattle (REME), aims to incentivize farmers to adopt practices that decrease methane emissions.
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is released during the digestive process of cattle, contributing significantly to Canada's total methane emissions. The REME protocol encourages beef cattle farmers to enhance animal diets, management, and other strategies, offering them an opportunity to generate offset credits for emission reductions. These credits, representing one tonne each, can be sold to facilities or businesses, providing financial benefits for farmers while contributing to a greener future.
The protocol aligns with Canada's commitment to reduce domestic greenhouse gas emissions and complements other initiatives, such as the $12 million Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the draft protocol, with the final version expected to be published in the summer of 2024. This marks a pivotal step in the nation's efforts to address climate change and foster sustainable practices within the agricultural sector.