Emissions from agricultural sources are expected to increase steadily, becoming the second most significant contributor to air emissions in the Lower Fraser Valley. It is expected that this trend will continue and expand to the entire Georgia Basin / Puget Sound region in the future.

In the Lower Fraser Valley, the air pollutants of particular concern are ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter. Fine particulate matter can be found in the atmosphere in its primary form, from road dust or diesel combustion; or it can be formed through reaction between precursor air pollutants such as NOx, SOx, VOCs, and ammonia. In relation to the agriculture sector, ammonia is the atmospheric pollutant of primary concern as its main emission sources is from agricultural operations and practices.

Thus the purpose of the Agriculture Industry Emission Reductions Initiative is to work with partner agencies and the agriculture industry to develop strategies and conduct work to reduce emissions from agricultural sources in the Georgia Basin / Puget Sound International Airshed.

• Consider development of an ammonia management strategy in consultation with the agriculture industry.
• Develop mechanism to predict future ammonia emissions.
• Find opportunities to develop voluntary emission reduction programs with the agriculture sector.
• Encourage the agriculture industry to adopt current control technology and practices.
• Development of strategies to reduce emissions from agricultural burning.
• Development of communications and outreach materials addressing emission reduction activities / actions for agriculture operations; and the role of ammonia in fine particulate formation.
• Work with the agricultural community to reduce odour emissions.

Farmer applying liquid manure to field

(Source: Environment Canada)

In 2004, a report on “Analysis of Best Management Practices and Emission Inventory for Agriculture Sources in the Lower Fraser Valley” was completed under the umbrella of the Agriculture Initiative. It is expected that this report will form the basis of future work with partner agencies and the agriculture industry.

In late 2004 and early 2005, initiative scoping activities were conducted and the membership for the Agriculture Industry Emission Reduction Initiative was established. This included strengthening US agency involvement and exploring agriculture industry engagement.

In 2006, there will be continued work in refining the scope of the initiative, as well as developing work plans and seeking projects that will support the goals of the initiative in the context of the Georgia Basin – Puget Sound International Airshed Strategy.

• Federal – Provincial – Territorial Agricultural Policy Framework
• BC Environmental Farm Planning
• California Air Pollution Control Officers Association
• Analysis of Best Management Practices and Emission Inventory of Agriculture Sources in the Lower Fraser Valley Report (Executive Summary, pdf)