The president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture says the federal carbon price could increase costs for Canadian farmers who must burn fossil fuel to plant and harvest their crops.

Ron Bonnett says that will hurt international competitiveness.

He's calling on the government to consult with the industry before implementation in 2018.

He says farmers could benefit from the policy if they are able to sell carbon credits from farming practices that sequester carbon or result in reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.