Originally published July 14, 2025, in Agri-News by the Government of Alberta.
The Government of Alberta has enacted legislative changes through Bill 44, amending the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA) and 2 of its associated regulations. These updates, which came into effect on June 23, 2025, aim to reduce regulatory barriers, encourage innovation, and promote environmentally responsible practices in agriculture — particularly the management of manure, agricultural processing by-products and compost, and biogas production.
Key changes under Bill 44
One of the most significant updates is the formal inclusion of digestate management under AOPA. Digestate, a by-product of anaerobic digestion, primarily from manure and other approved feedstocks, was previously managed under a memorandum of understanding. Digestate can now be stored in manure storage facilities or applied directly to agricultural land following the same requirements for manure application, provided it meets the requirements outlined in the new On-Farm Storage and Land Application Code (First Edition, June 2025). Digestate produced using feedstocks not in the code will continue to be regulated by Environment and Protected Areas.
The legislation also allows certain organic materials off the farm to be used as nutrient sources under AOPA. These materials, now listed in part 5 of the code, may be stored, composted, or applied to land, offering agri-processors more options for managing by-products while supporting soil health and crop growth.
These amendments align with Alberta’s goals to enhance sustainability and create new opportunities in the agri-food and bioenergy sectors.
Regulatory oversight and environmental protection
AOPA continues to provide oversight for confined feeding operations and manure storage facilities. All agricultural operations involved in storing or applying manure, compost, or organic materials — including crop producers and custom applicators — must comply with AOPA, which is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB).
To facilitate the movement of organic materials for storage or land application, Environment and Protected Areas also amended Section 23 of the Waste Control Regulation.
Administrative updates for clarity and consistency
In addition to the operational changes, 3 administrative amendments were made:
- Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDPs) are now referenced alongside Municipal Development Plans (MDPs).
- A uniform 20-working-day response period now applies to all parties submitting statements of concern for new or expanding CFOs.
- The roles and responsibilities within NRCB, including approval officers, inspectors, and the Board have been further clarified and aligned with current operational practices.
These changes are expected to improve regulatory clarity, support sustainable nutrient management, and provide greater flexibility for Alberta’s agricultural producers.
For more information, visit the Government of Alberta’s Manure management guidelines and legislation webpage.
For permit inquiries related to confined feeding operations or manure storage facilities contact the NRCB or email info@nrcb.ca.
For manure, organic materials and compost management related complaints or concerns arising from non-compliance with the Act, regulations or permit conditions, call the anonymous NRCB 24-hour, toll-free reporting line at 1-866-383-6722. You can also file a complaint online.
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