Legislation would allow organic ag waste to be diverted to biogas plants

By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on March 19, 2025.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com

New provincial legislation would allow organic waste from the Alberta agricultural sector to be diverted to biogas plants from landfills.

The government has introduced legislation in the form of updates to the Agricultural Operation Practices Act that it says will help to grow and diversify agriculture while also supporting the biogas industry in Alberta.

If passed, the updates would allow farmers to supplement fertilizer with organic materials.

“The act and its regulations provide rules and standards for all agricultural operations that handle manure and organic materials. Biodigesters are already operating in the province, and this change will provide certainty for those who store and use biogas production byproducts as a nutrient source to grow crops and encourage investment in biodigester facilities,” said the province on Tuesday.

Three sectors – farmers, ranchers and agri-processors – produce 3.4 million tonnes of organic waste annually, mostly from livestock manure and food processing, says the province. Those sectors are seeking from government more more economical and efficient ways of managing the waste.

The province says the act presently lacks clarity on how organic waste can be managed which has led to regulatory uncertainties for operations on storage and using digestate that is generated from manure.

Additions to the Act would allow organic waste to be used to generate heat and electricity or refine it into natural gas.

Material remaining after the conversion would be used as a soil supplement by farmers.

“Additions to the act would allow producers to store and use digestate on their farms as supplements to synthetic fertilizer, allowing for a better use of waste for farmers and supporting a sustainable agriculture sector,” says the province.