Offset credit plans rewarding Saskatchewan agriculture for farming methods that sequester carbon dioxide are still unclear.
The Saskatchewan Environment offset program co-ordinator Adam Gorr told the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association convention that the credits will likely be for maintaining soil practices.
He was responding to a rancher who said farming methods have increased the carbon sink since 1990 and wanted to know if agriculture will get offset credits for past practice.
Gorr said they are unable to pay credits for previous practice and would not allow perverse practice such as breaking native pasture then receiving credit for restoration.
The offset credits can be sold or traded.
Gorr said the province is exploring trade or sale to other Canadian or American jurisdictions as the demand in Saskatchewan will be low.
Gorr and research analyst Dinah Tambalo outlined the province’s Resilience Plan to combat greenhouse gas emissions.
The plan is based on 40 commitments in five key areas — natural systems, physical infrastructure such as electricity production, economic sustainability and community preparedness for floods or fires.
Targets are set, measured, monitored and reported.
Ranchers will qualify for offset credits on grassland but the programs will need verification and annual inspection to ensure standards are met.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
