New price rates for green energy projects Thursday, March 19, 2009 © AgMedia Inc.by GEOFF DALEOntario’s recently announced proposed new electricity pricing for renewable energy projects is getting mixed reviews from the province’s agricultural community.Some say a greater concentration on solar power derived from technology installed on rooftops, instead of equipment on prime agricultural land is a step in the right direction. But in the same breath, they warn more details are still required about the actual cost of hooking up to the grid.Announced last week, the provincial government is touting the program as North America’s first guaranteed pricing structure for renewable energy producers. Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure George Smitherman says in a Mar. 12 news release that the feed-in-tariff offers a “stable, competitive price combined with a long-term contract.”The program establishes prices for energy generated from renewable sources including wind, hydroelectric, solar, biogas, biomass and landfill gas. Rates range from 10.3 cents per kWh for landfill gas projects less than five megawatts to 80.2 cents per kWh for projects less than 10 kilowatts using rooftop solar technology.The price structure replaces the one offered under the former renewable energy offer program, which offered only two prices - 42 cents for solar projects and 11 cents for everything else.Ontario Federation of Agriculture general manager Neil Currie says provincial Minister of Energy and Infrastructure George Smitherman has listened to farmers concerns about using prime agricultural land, by adjusting his “rhetoric and now talking about putting solar on every rooftop.”“That makes more sense,” he adds. “Put the technology where the user is, because it makes no sense to use the land. This is an encouraging first step.”Now, he says it’s time for the government to clearly outline what costs are involved in producers hooking to the net.Middlesex County Federation of Agriculture president Ed Lee says offering 80 cents for solar power from rooftop is good news, noting at least two solar producers are planning to use prime farm land in the region for their complexes.But the cost for small producers to hook up to the grid remains a challenge, he says.“I heard it cost one producer about $30,000 just for the equipment,” he adds. “It’s fine to have those people lined up but if they can’t afford the cost of the charges and technology, what’s the point.” BF Dairy incentive days back on the books Dufferin group seeks ag special designation amid fears of a quarry
From Plows to Plates - The 2025 International Plowing Match Returns to Niagara Friday, September 12, 2025 For the first time since 1926, the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo (IPM) is returning to the Niagara Region Setpember 16 to 20. Set to take place in West Lincoln, the 106th edition of this iconic event will run under the theme “,” celebrating the deep roots and fresh flavours of... Read this article online
Festival of Guest Nations returns to Leamington Friday, September 12, 2025 On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Seacliff Park in Leamington, Ontario, will come alive with music, food, and celebration as the Festival of Guest Nations returns to honour the migrant worker communities who play a vital role in Essex County’s agricultural economy. With more than 20 years... Read this article online
York Region launching new Agri-Food Startup Program Thursday, September 11, 2025 A new program in York Region is designed to help entrepreneurs find their footing in the food space. The 14-week hybrid Agri-Food Start-up Program partners entrepreneurs with local organizations like the Foodpreneur Lab, Syzl, York Region Food Network, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island... Read this article online
Corn and Soybean Diseases Spread This Season Wednesday, September 10, 2025 As reported on the OMAFRA website fieldcropnews.com, as well as in previous articles by Farms.com, the 2025 growing season is nearing its end with corn and soybean farmers in Ontario and the U.S. Corn Belt facing disease challenges that reflect changing weather conditions. For corn, two... Read this article online
Wheat Output Decline Projected for 2025 Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Statistics Canada’s latest modelled estimates suggest that wheat production in Canada will decline slightly in 2025, driven primarily by weaker yields across several regions. National output is expected to edge down 1.1% to 35.5 million tonnes, with yields forecast to fall 1.2% to 49.6... Read this article online