Ethanol's future bright in Canada Wednesday, April 13, 2011 by SUSAN MANNFederal and provincial governments in Canada have supported the ethanol industry’s launch and a Greenfield Ethanol spokesman expects that will continue as innovative companies develop new biofuels and renewable chemicals.Barry Wortzman, Greenfield vice president of business development, says in its budget Quebec just announced “support of next generation ethanol by way of operating support in order to ensure the industry can get a kick start.”Wortzman says he thinks the federal government and other provinces will adopt that model.“I think Canada is in the forefront of being supportive of the new industries,” he says.He made the comments during a teleconference from Washington. D.C. organized by the Biotechnology Industry Association (BIO) held to preview some speeches and presentations at BIO’s upcoming congress on industrial biotechnology and bioprocessing. The congress will be in Toronto May 8-11. Brent Erickson, BIO executive vice president, says industrial biotechnology is the bridge between industry and agriculture that’s creating an economic transformation away from the current petroleum-based economy. The world wide bio-based economy, which uses renewable agricultural resources to produce fuel, chemicals and other consumer materials, such as synthetic rubber, is projected to generate $230 billion in economic activity by 2020, according to a report from the World Economic Forum released at last year’s congress. “This sector has really grown.”The United States and Canada are well positioned to lead in the development of the bio- based economy and “in capturing its value,” he says. Seven per cent of Canada’s economy, equal to about $78 billion, is already driven by biotechnology and a significant additional portion is driven by agriculture.BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centres and related organizations in the United States and more than 30 other countries. BF Province delays cap and trade plan Decision delayed
March 8 is International Women’s Day Friday, March 13, 2026 Across the United States and Canada, women are taking on increasingly visible roles in agriculture—managing farms, leading ag-tech startups, advancing research, and strengthening the rural economies that feed both nations. Their work reflects a shift in an industry once defined... Read this article online
Middle East conflict pushes fertilizer costs higher, forcing Ontario growers to rethink corn acres Friday, March 13, 2026 Ontario farmers are bracing for a turbulent spring as fertilizer and fuel prices surge in response to the escalating conflict involving Iran, a development that analysts say could reshape planting decisions across North America. The spike in nitrogen costs—the most critical and... Read this article online
Sask Farmer Say he Knows Why Fertilizer Companies Come Out Ahead When Markets are Disrupted Friday, March 13, 2026 As farmers continue to grapple with volatile input costs (Read: Fertilizer Prices Rise as Gulf Supply Tightens, one Saskatchewan farmer has offered a blunt assessment of why he believes fertilizer companies often appear to come out ahead during wars, sanctions, and global supply... Read this article online
PEI introduces one of Canada’s strictest honey bee import protocols for 2026 Friday, March 13, 2026 Prince Edward Island has released its updated 2026 protocol regarding the importation of honey bees, establishing some of the most stringent movement rules in the country. The protocol outlines new inspection, disease control, and transport requirements for any beekeeper or broker moving... Read this article online
Ontario Young Farmer Award Finalists 2026 Friday, March 13, 2026 The Ontario Outstanding Young Farmer (OOYF) Program will announce the province’s top young farmer during the 2026 awards banquet on April 8 at Cellar 52 in St. Jacobs, Ontario. The event will recognize young agricultural leaders whodemonstratestrong farming skills, innovation, and community... Read this article online