Grainswest - Tech 2023

best farmland or co-locate solar panels with livestock or compatible field crops. “There’s no need for green-on-green controversy,” said MacKenzie. “We want to make sure solar continues to be a good neighbour in the province.” On reclamation, the RMA proposes government adopt a system like that of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, which requires a $10,000 per acre bond for reclamation work on renewable installations. Meanwhile, Alberta Grains is drafting contract guidelines for landowners. “We won’t get involved in individual project consultations, but I encourage farmers to understand their rights around the AUC consultation process,” said Sereda. “It’s the only mechanism that exists.” A WAY FORWARD “I don’t believe this is us against them,” said the RMA’s McLauchlin. Though landowners may be frustrated by solar operators, certain companies are pivoting toward agrivoltaics. Agrivoltaic projects differ from conventional solar arrays in that, rather than utilizing a huge number of large panels, these lower density solar projects are purpose-built to align with agriculture. Panels can be slim and horizontal, spread out, even installed vertically as a functional livestock fence. The University of Alberta is now piloting a project in which spinach is being grown under solar panels and Western University’s Ivey Business School will carry out field trials in 10 Ontario locations starting this summer. McLauchlin pointed out such pilot projects are the result of landowner pressure. “The public can change how this is done.” Some landowners argue the whole concept of solar energy power purchase agreements is ludicrous. They say the purchase of solar credits by corporations to offset their own power use amounts to “greenifying” their image through money alone. MacKenzie disagrees. Whereas environmental efforts in other provinces are conducted via government regulation and control, support for environmental efforts through power purchase agreements aligns with Alberta’s independent nature, said MacKenzie. “In Alberta, people generally don’t like you to tell them what they can and can’t do with their land. Power purchase agreements really lend themselves to our culture, to our streak of independence, because … they leave the power in the hands of Albertans to make a deal if it’s a good deal to make.” On Aug. 3, the Government of Alberta paused renewable energy project approvals greater than one megawatt. The AUC will review its project development policy and procedures and resume the approval process on Feb. 29 . FPO WATCH VIDEO Anna was involved in a horseback riding incident. Thankfully, STARS air ambulance was called and provided life saving assistance. That’s why her local retailer chose STARS to receive an FMC Clean Fields Community Yields donation. And then local growers like you bought FMC fall herbicides to make the donation grow. Since 2020, we’ve donated to 100 community projects across Western Canada. Pools, libraries, 4-H clubs… and STARS… have shared over $300,000 in donations to projects chosen by local retailers. STARS is flying and Anna is smiling… thanks to you. Sh ' smilin becaus of yo NEW for 2023, Authority ® 480 herbicide, Authority ® Supreme herbicide and PrecisionPac ® SZ-75 herbicide are now registered for fall application. Terms and Conditions apply.Contact your local retailer for details.Always read and follow label instructions.Member of CropLife Canada. FMC, the FMC logo,Authority,Express,Focus, Intruvix and PrecisionPac are trademarks of FMC corporation or an affiliate. ©2023 FMC Corporation.All rights reserved.5722 - 7/23