B1-How can the Green Economy/Care for the environment create growth opportunities for the Agriculture Community? Bryan Gilvesy

Alternative Land Use Services - Farmers get paid for using their land for environmental services.  

Bryan discussed how his farm became involved with ALUS and began replanting w/native grasses and native  flowers and native flowering trees (hedgerow protection). This provides carbon sequestration services, habitat/food for native bees, place for bees to live (trees). Create a system where farmers get involved in ALUS.  Can money come from cap and trade dollars be used to invest in these initiatives?

Native grasses can be used for biomass - don't need inputs and perennials so self-sustaining.  Also refertilizes soil with nitrogen.

Farmers hold the key to a great many environmental problems because  they are the stewards of the land.  

Conversation centred around how farmers can mimic nature to renew land, wildlife, habitat,etc. Bryan works closely with conservation authority. He is reviatlizing marginal land which is most often near water habitats. 

Some farmers are taking land out of use and engaged in environmental services BUT not getting compensated.  Some legislation discouraging farmers from being engaged in environmental/conservational activities (e.g. Endangered Species Act).

So there is  a great disincentive for farmers to get into the business of environmental services. 

Cap and Trade offers opportunity for farmers to become involved in environmental services in a way that is viable.  Cost of pollution not being included in cost of food.  

Society needs to start providing incentives for farmers to invest in these types of environmental services (i.e. carbon taxes or cap and trade).

There is more and more funding for projects links to Environmental Farm Planshttp://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/efp/efp.htm