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
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online