On-farm fuel use is a significant source of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. But farmers are also leaders in decarbonization, investing in solar panels and finding other ways to reduce fossil fuel use. Now, the first electric tractors are on the market, and hydrogen powered equipment is on the horizon. Join NFUniversity for a session on on-farm energy use, emissions, alternative energy, low-emission farm equipment, and the possibility of fossil fuel free farming. For 99% of the time that humans have practiced agriculture, it is been fossil fuel free. How far in that direction can we go in the coming decade?
Dan Woynillowicz (energy and environmental policy analyst) and Tony Neale (farmer, NFU member, and electric tractor and solar array owner) will look at the current situation regarding energy use and emissions and look ahead, to what’s possible.
About the presenters
Dan Woynillowicz is the Principal of Polaris Strategy + Insight, a public policy advisory firm he launched in 2020. An experienced researcher, analyst and advocate, he advises leading businesses and governments and is a regular public commentator on Canadian climate change and energy policy. Drawing upon two decades of experience working at the interface of climate change policy and politics, he offers unique insights into the energy transition and opportunities arising from climate solutions.
Tony Neale is the founder and farm manager of Wheelbarrow Farm, where they grow 8 acres of mixed organic vegetables, flowers, fruits and nuts. Since 2008, Tony has been growing the business, training the next generation of farmers and developing sustainable practices and technologies on the farm. In 2018, the Wheelbarrow Farm team decided to quickly transition away from fossil fuel inputs by installing solar power and purchasing a first-of-its-kind electric tractor. In 2022 they will add an electric delivery vehicle to their fleet and by 2025 they plan on replacing all gas delivery vehicles with electric.
Webinar recording
