Ontario Biomass Producers Co-Op

ExceptThere have been several solid initiatives promoting Ag biomass. OMAFRA, OSCIA, OFA, OPG, etc., have all been instrumental with a number of studies, projects and initiatives to research and elevate Ag biomass. Required funding could get secured to perform the much-needed research and raise the awareness and demonstrate the benefits of Ag biomass. Will we be ready to step up to the plate? By Urs Eggimann DownloadOBPC-W2013-newsletter-REDUCEDDownload

Bioplastic packaging applications have been strengthened, according to a Finnish research centre, after its development of a technique to dramatically improve the quality of bio-based packaging materials. Finnish breakthrough strengthens bioplastics potential

Interesting switchgrass article, published in the CapeGazette, Delaware. The case for switchgrass

The following is an article in the Biomass Magazine, written by Dan Arnett, Biomass Coordinator at Ernst Seeds and board member of REAP-Canada. Is Ag biomass here to stay?

NEF Energy crop supply 2013

Switchgrass Grower Still Confident About Future (Farms.com Sep 27, 2012)

In the October 2012 edition of the Better Farming magazine our president made the front page! A dominant article (over 10 pages), written by Mary Baxter, covers the current state and future of biomass crops and an in-depth coverage of encountered challenges. Mary interviewed a group of “Biomass people” of our province, including James Fisher, John Kelly, Bill Deen, Scott Abercrombie, Ian Moncrieff, Urs Eggimann, Adam DeVisser, Dean Tiessen and others. As an addendum to the ar

It is hard to believe, but the COFS is already history. The show was a tough deadline for our group to get some essential things accomplished, which might have dragged on for much longer. Our name change from OBPG to OBPC required numerous changes on our website, registration forms as well as standard handouts. With the new name we now also have an attractive logo, which required a substantial effort from some of our board members. Our policy, to give members a chance to pr

ExcerptOntario Biomass Producers have now Co-op status. The group’s new official name is Ontario Biomass Producers Co-operative Inc. or OBPC for short. Half a year ago we came up with a new website, providing a lot more information for biomass producers as well as the biomass industry in general. We try to provide a useful portal for everyone interested in biomass, including producers, government organizations, universities and any sort of players in the industry, engaged in

Make sure you register on time for the upcoming Biomass Tour with numerous stops and biomass attractions across our province. For tour details, maps, events, dates, etc. go to the following link: Biomass Tour Pamphlet

Forget Not the Feedstock

At  the August 27th board meeting it became official that Ontario Biomass Producers Group is now a co-operative. The official name is Ontario Biomass Producers Co-operative Inc. or OBPC for short. To simplify things a little bit we also use the name of Ontario Biomass Producers Co-op. Being incorporated as a co-op is a decisive step to open the door for our group to realize real biomass projects in our province. We will continue to play our role as an interest group to educat

Pro Farm Energy Inc. is looking to lease thousands of acres of agricultural land in hopes of growing enough Miscanthus giganteus to feed a 10-megawatt power plant developed by Minas Basin Pulp and Power Co. Ltd. Full article …

CEEDS – The easy way to establish energy crops

May 24, 2012 – Biomass Crops Gain Eligibility to Advance Payments Program Application form is available in “Resources: – Biomass Documents”

“The idea is to cut out a little media space for biofuels to raise awareness,” said Bob Menard, a representative of the Power Workers Union. “It’s what we want people to start thinking about when they hear talk of renewable power.” Full article:

DuPont and Fagen to commercialize cellulosic biofuels in Iowa

It looks like straw prices will continue to be strong, as available supply is small. What is it worth? A great question! Lots! Unfortunately, the Provincial Cereal Specialist has done an amazing job of becoming the STRAW SPECIALIST! Full article:

“There is a future for the purpose-grown biomass industry,” says the report. “Farmers are encouraged to include these crops in Ontario’s agricultural system.” Full article:

SummaryContrary to popular belief, switchgrass is not a new or novel crop but has more than 70 years of research and farming experience. Currently available plant materials and production practices can reliably produce five tons per acre in the central Great Plains and Midwest and 10 tons per acre in much of the Southeast. New cultivars and management practices will significantly increase yields similar to the yield increases achieved in corn in the last 30 years. The availab