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UN Report Highlights Potential of Meat Alternatives for Environmental Sustainability

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released a report investigating the potential of plant-based, cultivated, and fermented meat alternatives to mitigate the environmental impact of conventional animal foods. The report acknowledges varying forecasts for the growth of the alternative meat market, emphasizing the need for technological advances to compete with traditional products. Despite challenges, the study identifies reduced environmental impact, public health benefits, and ethical considerations as advantages. UNEP recommends government support through funding, streamlined regulations, and reallocating subsidies to accelerate the shift towards healthier, more sustainable, and animal-friendly food systems. Several countries, including Brazil, China, and the European Union, have already invested in meat alternatives.

Government of Canada Announces Economic Incentive to Reduce Methane Emissions from Cows

Following Food and Agriculture Day at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, Environment and Climate Change Canada published a draft fourth protocol under Canada's Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System. This new draft protocol, Reducing Enteric Methane Emissions from Beef Cattle (REME protocol), will incentivize farmers to implement changes that would reduce enteric methane emissions from cows used as flesh food with an opportunity to generate offset credits that they can sell. Developed in collaboration with agricultural experts and influenced by Alberta's protocols, the REME protocol aligns with Canada's efforts to decarbonize agriculture. Stakeholders and members of the public are invited to provide feedback via email by February 6th, 2024, with the final protocol expected in summer 2024.

Senate Approves Amendment to Federal Bill Expanding Carbon Tax Exemption for Farmers

Third reading debates on Bill C-234, a private member’s bill tabled by Conservative Member of Parliament Ben Lobb, continued on November 30th. The bill aims to broaden the existing fuel charge exemptions granted to farmers under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. Senator Yuen Pau Woo, in his address, highlighted the House of Commons' rejection of a motion urging the Senate to promptly adopt the bill. Senator Marc Gold dismissed offensive remarks made by a Conservative MP, who suggested that senators should understand their role in a democracy and “go back to doing what they’re good at, which is being invisible.” Senator Woo expressed concern over potential intimidation, and Gold urged the Senate to continue its debate on Bill C-234 objectively and independently. During third reading debates on December 5th, an amendment that would exclude the heating and cooling of barns and greenhouses from the exemption was approved by a narrow margin. The amendment, previously rejected by the majority of Senators, passed with 40 Senators voting yes, 39 voting no, and none abstaining. Once the amended bill passes third reading in the Senate, it will return to the House of Commons for further debate.

EPA Opens Public Comment Period on Draft Biological Evaluation Finding Rodenticides are Likely to Adversely Affect Endangered Species

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a draft biological evaluation of the effects of 11 rodenticides on species federally listed under the Endangered Species Act, finding that the rodenticides are “likely to adversely affect” up to 136 listed species and 38 critical habitats. The draft biological evaluation outlines seven mitigation strategies, which differ in part from the mitigations EPA previously proposed in its rodenticide safety review. EPA will accept public comments through January 29, 2024.

Global Climate Conference COP28 Urged to Tackle Food Sector Emissions

Climate advocacy groups are urging nations at the 28th Conference of the Parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai to commit to reducing emissions from the global food sector, responsible for nearly one-third of human-made greenhouse gas emissions. The conference, for the first time, has dedicated a full day to focus on food and agriculture. Advocates emphasize the importance of nations committing to robust actions to mitigate emissions from the food system in their national climate plans. They specifically highlight the urgent need to tackle methane emissions from livestock production and reduce food waste. Concurrently, leaked documents have brought to light a pro-meat communications plan by industry giants such as JBS and the Canadian Cattle Association, who argue that the cattle industry brings benefits for “both the environment and human nutrition.” These revelations come amid heightened global concerns regarding the environmental impact of livestock and a growing trend towards plant-based diets. Additionally, they closely follow a report by The Guardian exposing industry pressure leading to the censorship of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports on the role of cattle in greenhouse gas emissions.

Michigan Appellate Court Affirms Ruling that Right to Farm Act Defense is Precluded by Collateral Estoppel in Port Huron Farm Case

The Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed in an unpublished decision a lower court ruling that collateral estoppel precludes two Port Huron livestock farmers from asserting a defense under Michigan’s Right to Farm Act in response to their township’s claim against them for abatement of nuisance. Port Huron brought the claim after finding multiple violations of its zoning ordinance by the farmers in their operation of a livestock farm within the township. In previous related litigation involving the same parties, the appellate court affirmed the lower court’s factual finding that a defense under Michigan’s Right to Farm Act does not apply to the farmers and thus does not preempt the township’s ordinance as applied to the two farmers.

Michigan Appellate Court Affirms Ruling that Right to Farm Act Defense is Precluded by Collateral Estoppel in Port Huron Farm Case

The Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed in an unpublished decision a lower court ruling that collateral estoppel precludes two Port Huron livestock farmers from asserting a defense under Michigan’s Right to Farm Act in response to their township’s claim against them for abatement of nuisance. Port Huron brought the claim after finding multiple violations of its zoning ordinance by the farmers in their operation of a livestock farm within the township. In previous related litigation involving the same parties, the appellate court affirmed the lower court’s factual finding that a defense under Michigan’s Right to Farm Act does not apply to the farmers and thus does not preempt the township’s ordinance as applied to the two farmers.

Oil Spill in Gulf of Mexico Raises Concerns for Endangered Species

The United States Coast Guard revealed a significant crude oil leak of more than one million gallons in the Gulf of Mexico near Louisiana. The spill, located near the Main Pass Oil Gathering pipeline, poses a threat to endangered and threatened species including endangered sea turtles, such as Kemp's Ridley, and rare whales, like Rice's whales. The spill's proximity to sensitive areas, including wetlands and marshes, heightens environmental risks. Remotely operated vehicles are investigating the source of the spill.

Third Reading Debates Continue on Federal Bill to Expand Carbon Tax Farming Exemption

Third reading debates on Bill C-234, a private member’s bill tabled by Conservative Member of Parliament Ben Lobb, continued on November 21st. The bill seeks to widen the already broad fuel charge exemptions granted to farmers under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act by expanding not only the definition of “eligible farming machinery” but also the definition of “qualifying farming fuel” to include propane and natural gas. During his speech, Senator Marc Gold raised concerns that the bill may undermine Canada's federal carbon-pricing framework by introducing sector-specific exemptions, potentially hindering emission reduction incentives. Senator Gold drew particular attention to the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to climate change, emphasizing the importance of addressing emissions in farming practices.

EPA Considers Reinstating Reporting of Animal Waste Air Emissions at Farms

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a solicitation for information and comments in connection with “the potential development of regulations to reinstate the reporting of animal waste air emissions at farms under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.” The agency is requesting comments related to health impacts, implementation challenges, costs and benefits, the definition of “small farm” and potential reporting exemptions, and national animal waste air emissions reporting. EPA will accept public input through February 15, 2024.