The Western Canadian Wheat Growers is calling on Ottawa to roll-back the ten dollar a ton hike in the federal carbon tax, which came into effect Wednesday.

Wheat Growers Chair Daryl Fransoo of Glaslyn says the 50 percent hike in the carbon tax is bad timing when the economy is in facing a major pandemic, the COVID-19 virus.

Fransoo says the rise in the carbon tax will cost a family of four an extra $120 this year for groceries and home heating costs will jump $300.

Farm fuel is exempt but Fransoo says farmers face hidden costs through higher fertilizer prices, grain drying fees, grain movement rates and many other services.

He says the carbon tax takes eight to ten percent of net farm income and is unwelcome and not necessary.

He says crop growth takes carbon from the air and farmers should be rewarded for being net zero emitters.