Farmers in Manitoba are facing a harsh reality: the Carbon Tax is coming and agricultural producers will be forced to absorb the cost.

Unlike other industries, farmers can't pass the increased expenses onto the end user.

The loss of income could be devastating to the ag industry and have a far-reaching impact on the local economy.

The situation recently led a group of local farmers and agricultural advocates to hold a public forum in Winkler to answer the question, "how do we make this a tax that is not detrimental to the farm economy, and the rural economy?"

Event organizer Daniel Hacault explains the proposed plan would accept the tax on input and emissions, but with the caveat farmers receive the tax remitted back on an on-going basis.

While some present at the meeting voiced a desire to reject the proposed tax entirely, Hacault says with such a strong will to cut C02 emissions from the general public, saying "no" entirely to the tax would create a fight farmers can't win.

"We're gonna pay the tax," Co-Organizer Gerry Demare says, but hopes they can come to agreement with the government on the terms of the tax.

He says they're not interested in an a tax exemption, as it could be scaled back or capped.

The goal is to create legislation that benefits both farms and the environment.

In a letter to government, Demare writes, "Manitoba farmers stand ready to deliver true and meaningful carbon reduction initiatives... we can help save the planet."

Organizers Daniel Hacault (left) Gerry Demare (far right)