Startup costs stall biodigester project Tuesday, March 9, 2010 by BRIAN LOCKHARTMachabee Farm Foods’ plans to build a deadstock biodigester in St. Albert Ontario are being mired in hefty start up costs including a $900,000 quote by Ontario Power Generation to connect the facility to the power grid.The company raised $4 million for the project and sought the remaining $2 million in funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). The project’s $6 million price tag includes costs of connecting to the grid.“They provide, in our view, an essential service,” says Mary McCuaig CAO of Nation Township of Machabee’s, noting the area is “primarily rural farmland.”The town provided OMAFRA with a brief detailing the need for such a plant after the application for partial funding of the project was turned down.McCuaig says Machabee is still trying to secure financing for the project but will not proceed until it is found.Neither company spokesperson Guy Machabee nor an OMAFRA spokesperson could be immediately reached for comment.The company operates five related businesses in eastern Ontario.If constructed the biodigester would create 20 new jobs in the area. BF High dollar cited as process vegetable returns sink Tribunal dismisses dairy farmer's appeal
Why farmers built their own renewable energy association Friday, February 20, 2026 When renewable energy developers come knocking on rural doors, farmers often find themselves staring at 40-page leases, unfamiliar terminology, and long-term commitments that could shape their land for decades. For many, the opportunity is exciting and enticing—but also... Read this article online
Looking for a heritage machine Friday, February 20, 2026 A Brantford, Ontario area heritage organization—the Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre (CIHC)—is putting out a call to the Canadian agricultural community in hopes of locating a rare piece of machinery that helped transform grain harvesting around the world. The CIHC is preparing... Read this article online
Ontario beef farms honoured for pasture innovation and environmental stewardship Friday, February 20, 2026 Two Ontario beef operations earn top 2026 awards for pasture and environmental excellence. At the Beef Farmers of Ontario’s (BFO) 64th annual general meeting banquet in Toronto on February 18, 2026, two standout Ontario beef operations were recognized for their commitment to... Read this article online
New Leadership Team Named at OFVGA Friday, February 20, 2026 The Ontario Fruit & VegetableGrowersAssociation has announced a new leadership team following recent elections. Mike Chromczak has been selected as chair, and MatthiasOppenlaenderhas beenelectedvice chair. Chromczak brings more than a decade of industry involvement to the position.... Read this article online
Food Freedom Day 2026 - What Canada’s Grocery Costs Really Tell Us Thursday, February 19, 2026 The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has announced that Sunday, February 8th, 2026, markedFood Freedom Day—the date by which the average Canadian household has earned enough income to cover its entire annual grocery bill. Each year, CFA analyzes how much of Canadians’... Read this article online