Mr. Speaker, the Atlantic Farmers Council, the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture and the Nova Scotia Agricultural College made a proposal in January 2005 to the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food to establish the Atlantic alternative energy centre to determine ways to reduce energy costs and harmful emissions, using agricultural products.
If approved, this group will take the lead in coordinating regional research, which will help farmers in reducing costs and energy consumption while also reducing pollution and greenhouse gases.
The new Conservative government has committed to have every litre of gas and diesel fuel contain 5% alternative fuel. This organized research effort would go a long way toward achieving this goal in Atlantic Canada.
The Minister of Agriculture recently showed great support for the Atlantic Canadian farmers when he made his announcement about the moratorium on CAIS clawbacks. By giving his approval to this application for an alternative energy centre, he will give another great boost to the environment and to the agricultural industry in Atlantic Canada. I urge him to do so.