Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) is currently calling for proposals for its Food, Farming, and Forestry Challenge through the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) Fund.

The challenge is expected to accelerate innovation in support of long-term competitiveness and stimulate growth in the critically important agriculture, agri-food and forestry sectors. Selected projects will help boost employment creation, attract local and international investments as well as initiate new markets.

“Our government is proud to fund the Food, Farming, and Forestry Challenge. This is a strong example of how Alberta is thoughtfully advancing creative solutions to achieve both emissions reductions and greater economic and environmental resilience,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of environment and Parks. “Alberta has shown significant leadership in emissions reduction via enhancing agricultural and forestry practices and we look forward to continuing on this path through further market-based opportunities.”

A total of $40 million will come from the TIER Fund—a key part of Alberta’s climate response, funded by industry—­to support the challenge. These investments will be used to aid recovery, strengthen existing industries and help create new opportunities from small and medium enterprises across these sectors.

“Our mandate at ERA is to improve the cost and carbon competitiveness of all sectors,” said Steve MacDonald, CEO of ERA. “At this time of global uncertainty, we are taking bold action to accelerate technology-led innovation that ensures these key industries can grow sustainably.”

The funds will help farmers, ranchers, industry, and innovators navigate the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing market implications. These innovations will lead to positive impacts, such as lower production and processing costs for food and fibre and natural solutions to remove carbon from the atmosphere.

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TIER helps energy-intensive facilities find innovative ways to reduce emissions and invest in clean technology to stay competitive and save money.

Since 2009, ERA has committed more than $534 million to 161 projects that are worth $4 billion and estimated to reduce emissions by nearly 33 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030.

The application deadline is August 27, at 5 p.m. MT. A webinar will be presented on June 29.

To register for the webinar and for further information on eligibility criteria, click here.

Featured image from ERA: Peatland research project.

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