Fact sheets support amendments to Agricultural Operation Practices Act

“The recent amendments to the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA) introduced through Bill 44 were designed to modernize Alberta’s approach to managing organic materials in agriculture,” says Deanne Madsen, nutrient management specialist with the Alberta government. These changes support the growth of the agriculture, agri-processing and bioenergy sectors by:

• providing sustainable alternatives for managing organic materials such as digestate and other agri-processing by-products
• clarifying definitions within the legislation including what qualifies as “organic materials” under the AOPA
• enhancing flexibility for agricultural producers for the movement, storage and land application of organic materials
• reducing regulatory barriers while maintaining environmental protection standards, particularly around manure management and nutrient stewardship

To help agricultural operators and others better understand their responsibilities in managing allowable organic materials under the AOPA, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation has released 3 new fact sheets.

“These fact sheets provide practical guidance for farmers, ranchers, agri-processors and biodigesters using organic materials including digestate (a by-product of biogas production) as nutrient sources to support crop growth and soil health,” explains Madsen. “To clarify which organic materials are covered under the legislation and what is required for storage, application and compliance, producers can refer to the new fact sheets.”

• Bill 44, Agricultural Operation Practices Amendment Act: Offering farmers, ranchers and agriculture processors a sustainable alternative for managing organic materials
• Organic Materials Defined under the AOPA: Understanding what's included
• Managing Organic Materials under the AOPA: Sustainable alternatives for managing organic materials

“The fact sheets, in addition to the On-Farm Storage and Land Application Code, support regulatory requirements under the AOPA and should be consulted prior to handling any materials,” says Madsen. The code includes lists of allowable organic materials sourced from non-agricultural operations that can be stored and/or applied on agricultural land and whether the organic material must be mixed with manure. In addition to these lists, the code includes:

• definitions and calculations for livestock and storage siting units used to determine minimum distance separation requirements between manure storages or collection areas and nearby residences
• book values for manure characteristics, production volumes and land base requirements for application

“These resources are part of Alberta’s effort to ensure the province’s livestock industry continues to grow sustainably while protecting soil and water resources,” says Madsen.

For more information, visit the Government of Alberta’s Manure management guidelines and legislation website.

For permit inquiries related to confined feeding operations or manure storage facilities, contact the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) or email [email protected].

For manure, organic materials and compost management related complaints or concerns arising from non-compliance with the act, regulations or permit conditions, call the anonymous NRCB 24-hour, toll-free reporting line at 1-866-383-6722. You can also file a complaint online.

Related information:

• Alberta modernizes ag legislation to support growth and innovation
• Growing the agriculture and biogas industries

Contact

Connect with 310-FARM for more information:

Phone: 310-FARM (3276)
Email: [email protected]

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