As part of its agricultural component, Carbone boréal is preparing to give a first rebate to farmers who agreed to receive plantations on parts of their land in 2013. Four farms in Lac-Saint-Jean, the Ferme A.L.Y. Blackburn, Ferme des Papinas, Ferme Markvens Joli and Ferme Bernard Tremblay will share more than $ 15,000.
The agricultural component of Carbone boréal is the result of a collaboration with the Société sylvicole de Chambord and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ), aimed at reforesting portions of wasteland or impossible to exploit (notches, steep slopes, etc.). Twenty farmers in Lac-Saint-Jean thus allowed more than 160,000 trees to be planted in their homes on just over 100 hectares in 2013, 2016 and 2019.
Compensation through this collaborative project is offered at a cost of $ 5 per tree or $ 35 per tonne of CO2. For each tree awarded, one dollar is placed in trust and paid periodically to participating farmers who have signed a long-term agreement with UQAC to ensure their protection.
This collaboration allows UQAC researchers and student researchers to conduct research on these plantations and allow the public to use them to offset greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The tree species that can be planted in agriculture open up new research perspectives on adaptation to climate change and in agroforestry.
About Carbone boréal
Carbone boréal is a UQAC research infrastructure that enables everyone – individuals, businesses, organizations, ministries, etc. – to offset GHG emissions linked to their activities. To do this, all you have to do is estimate the GHG emissions produced using the Boreal Carbon calculator and make a donation to the UQAC Development Fund. The trees required to offset these emissions will be allocated and the compensation entered in the public register.
The money received, which is used in particular for granting master’s scholarships and supporting research work, also makes it possible to monitor plantations and verify compensation according to the international standard ISO 14064-3. A portion of 20% for each donation is capitalized to ensure the sustainability of Carbone boréal.