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Carbon tax relief for B.C.’s greenhouse growers

Last week the B.C. government announced the continuation of last year’s carbon tax break for greenhouse growers in the province. While just a small piece of the overall budget, this tax break will mean major cost savings for the industry.

A carbon tax credit was implemented in 2012 for B.C. greenhouse operators as a one-time initiative. Now this one time initiative is going to be continuing. Last year’s incentive applied to growers who had 2011 sales greater than $20,000, had at least 455 square metres for commercial production and were able to include a copy of 2011 fuel receipts with their applications. The parameters are expected to be similar this year, with a base year of 2012 instead of 2011.

Carbon taxes for B.C. flower and vegetable growers total an estimated $7.6 million annually, based on fuel consumed for heating their greenhouses and CO2 for plant production. It applies to certain types of fuels, such as propane and natural gas.    

This initiative being carried forward by the province will assist growers in being more competitive in the industry, leveling the playing field with producers in other provinces, the US and Mexico.

For more information on the carbon tax relief, growers should speak with their local association representative. Vegetable producers can look to the B.C. Greenhouse Growers’ Association and floriculture growers can speak with the United Flower Growers Cooperative Association.

Lisa Brodeur is a quality assurance supervisor with 360 Energy.