Discussion on Alternative…

Discussion on Alternative Energies and Recycling of Carbon Dioxide:

The Three-Legged Farm Frame Work

Traditional Role of Farmer

The farmer is seen as the grower of food by working the land, putting out their seed and harvesting the crops. Some of the crops are used to feed life stock for providing meat and dairy products. The farmer, as part of this model, “grows” energy for human consumption.

Each of these crops takes CO2 out of the air and binds it in the plants grown.

Secondary Role

A second “leg” for the farmer to stand on is the growth of crops for feedstock for industrial use such as production of ethanol, biodiesel, feedstock for chemical industry and bio-digesters. This becomes a secondary market and provides additional income for the farmer. The data in Canada and the United States do indicate that the ethanol and biodiesel industries have grown significantly and provide substantial markets for the agricultural industry. The issue of use of farmland for growth of secondary energy crops can be addressed through cultivation of secondary farm land and crop management. It will address the issue of food vs. fuel debate. It is, within this frame work, a non-issue.

Again, these crops take significant amounts of CO2 out of the atmosphere and bind it in biomass. Tertiary Role

The third “leg” of the farmer is captured under “sustainability”, which includes: -Advanced farm practices, minimum tillage, crop rotation, minimization of use of fertilizer; -Introduction and extensive use of cover crops in the fall for the purpose of land cover, reducing soil erosion, and reduced run-off. Furthermore, these crops also take a substantial amount of CO2 out of the atmosphere, which is sequestered into the ground during spring plowing. The soil is ready for the next crop. The carbon dioxide in the ground is increased (as demonstrated by farmers in the Midwestern United States). This is beneficial for reducing the demand for fertilizer. -Reduced use of fertilizer and reduced run-off keep lakes cleaner (e.g. algae growth in Lake

Erie).

-There is new research under way studying the interaction of bacteria in the ground, known as “biome”, with seeds, germination and support of crop growth. Sustainability means working with nature, looking at the soil and land as a resource that has to be nurtured.

Within this frame work the farmer through working the land becomes an integral part of the carbon cycle. This provides opportunities to develop second or third-grade agricultural land for growing energy crops diversifying feedstock for ethanol away from corn, and developing fast growing fiber plants for biomass feedstock – all with the intent to remove as much carbon dioxide from the air as a fast growing plant can do given the growing season in Ontario. Given the introduction of a carbon tax some of that revenue would be well invested in supporting cover crops and their immense benefits to carbon sequestration and maintenance of the soil as a vital resource.

Telling the Story

Each of the three “legs” identified provide, by themselves, areas of research and development, which are supported by government and university research. But it is this framework, that can be used to “tell the story” to Ontarians, and Canadians as to the role of the Farmer and the benefits of a healthy agricultural industry environmentally and economically. I can envision pamphlets generated that show the carbon cycle in cartoon form, simple to understand, and the benefits for the farmers in their language – talking to them and not lecturing. I can envision picture books for children, explaining the basic chemistry of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, using cartoon characters, and get academics involved in putting together that story.

[Original Comment ID: 206167]