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
Hog Markets Strengthen Heading Into Late February Monday, February 23, 2026 As hog producers head into the final stretch of February, North American markets showed modest but broad-based strength according to the latest OMAFA report for the week ending February 20, 2026. The data highlights firmer hog prices, stronger futures, and mixed feed costs, offering... Read this article online
New leadership elected as Beef Farmers of Ontario charts priorities for 2026 Monday, February 23, 2026 The Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) has announced new leadership following its , with directors electing Jason Leblond of Chisholm as president and Don Badour of Perth as vice president. The election marks the conclusion of Past President Craig McLaughlin’s nine-year term on the... Read this article online
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