Farm groups such as the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) have lobbied the government this past month to get cardlock fuel included in the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GGPPA) exemption and it looks like they’re close to the finish line.
In the release of the federal budget, the government announced it’s looking into extended relief for areas not included in the original carbon pricing backstop system including cardlock fuel for farmers.
“We are glad to see that the federal government has listened to our concerns and is taking steps to fix this problem,” Todd Lewis, president of APAS told RealAgriculture.
The proposed change suggests farmers would have to certify the fuel they are using from the cardlock is used exclusively in the operation of eligible farming machinery and farming activities. However, as cardlock pumps are usually unattended, the government still needs more consultation on the matter.
“We encourage all Saskatchewan producers to get in touch with their bulk fuel provider, to make sure that they have the correct paperwork in place before the Carbon Tax comes into effect on April 1st. Although we have made progress on this particular issue, APAS will continue to fight the Carbon Tax on behalf of Saskatchewan’s farmers and ranchers,” Lewis added.
Public comments for the proposed changes are needed and can be sent by email by clicking here before April 19. According to APAS, if the revision is approved, it would be retroactive to April 1 which is when the carbon tax comes into effect.
As a side note, if you haven’t already, click here to find the form needed to access the CRA form for the GGPPA act to be exempt from the carbon tax.