Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

January 22, 2009 14:46 ET

Government of Canada Puts Farmers First, Invests in Cellulosic Biofuels Research

QUEBEC, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Jan. 22, 2009) - Farmers in Quebec and throughout Canada will be able to harness new market opportunities and get better prices for their crops thanks to a new and innovative research network funded by the Government of Canada. The Cellulosic Biofuels Network (CBN) will provide expertise, new technologies and processes that increase the efficiency and reduce the economic costs associated with the production of cellulosic ethanol, especially from agricultural biomass.

The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture) was at the Soils and Crops Research Development Centre today in Quebec to announce that CBN will receive $19.9 million in funding. This assistance is being provided through the Agricultural Bioproducts Innovation Program (ABIP). The research done by CBN will make possible the creation of biofuels from agricultural waste, and that will help Canadian farmers seize new market opportunities in the energy sector.

"Our Government wants to advance agricultural research that will help create economic development opportunities and deliver concrete results for our farmers," said Minister Blackburn. "This major research will not only help advance our cellulosic ethanol production, but will also help our farmers increase their income by producing new crop varieties designed specifically for the energy market."

CBN brings together participants from Concordia University, the University of Ottawa, the University of British Columbia, the University of Saskatchewan, the Universite de Montreal, the University of Alberta, the University of Toronto, Ryerson University, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and FPInnovations.

ABIP is a program designed to integrate Canada's talent from universities, industry and government in order to stimulate creativity, leverage resources, reduce costs and accelerate progress towards the commercialization of bioproducts and bioprocesses.



BACKGROUNDER

CELLULOSIC BIOFUEL NETWORK (CBN)

The CBN will focus on the sustainable production of ethanol and associated bio-products from cellulosic material. The economics of crop production and the conversion of plants to ethanol will be assessed. Network researchers will also address larger issues such as the use of byproducts in cattle feedlots, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and optimal nutrient flow/balance.

The recipients of this $19.9 million in funding include Concordia University, University of Ottawa, University of British Columbia, University of Saskatchewan, Universite de Montreal, University of Alberta, University of Toronto, Ryerson University, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, FPInnovations as well as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and other government research centres supporting the network.

AGRICULTURAL BIOPRODUCTS INNOVATION PROGRAM (ABIP)

The Agricultural Bioproducts Innovation Program (ABIP) is designed to promote research, development, technology transfer and the commercialization of agricultural bioproducts, including biofuels, in Canada.

The program will benefit farmers by generating new agricultural knowledge and technology and facilitating its transfer to those that can commercialize these innovations for the benefit of farmers and others in Canada's bioeconomy sector.

ABIP promotes the establishment, development and operation of bioproducts research networks that focus on:

- Feedstock production through the development of crop platforms and cropping systems suitable for conversion to bioproducts;

- Developing effective and efficient technologies for biomass conversion; and

- Product diversification through technologies relevant to production of a range of coproducts, including chemicals, biomaterials and health products.

For additional information about the Agricultural Bioproducts Innovation Program (ABIP) and other Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada programs please visit www.agr.gc.ca/abip.