Federal government funding bioeconomy in agriculture sector, August 2022. (Photo 147134101 © Fotogigi85 - Dreamstime.com)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Federal government investing $1.8M toward bioeconomy in agriculture sector

Aug 19, 2022 | 6:15 AM

SARNIA, ON — An Ontario-based company is getting $1.8 million to help accelerate the growth of the bioeconomy in the agriculture sector.

Bioindustrial Innovation Canada, a non-profit organization set up in Sarnia, Ontario is planning to use the funding to develop research-based standards for measuring and assessing the quality of bioproducts made from agricultural sources.

The bioeconomy is based on the production and sale of products other than food made from agricultural, aquatic, and forestry resources, or even municipal waste. This includes crops grown as alternatives to petroleum-based products, such as corn for ethanol.

“The bioeconomy will allow us to maximize the use of our agricultural resources, including leftover byproducts,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

The funding is also expected to help scientists explore plant genetics and environmental factors that could lead to new crop varieties to supply bioproducts production.

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“By adding value to products once considered to be waste and ensuring the quality of these bioproducts through strict quality standards, we will help strengthen Canada’s position as a leader in sustainable agriculture while creating new revenue sources for our agricultural producers,” added Bibeau.

This is another project the federal government is undertaking to try and decrease emissions as renewable energy sources, such as crops, are continuing to be looked at as future replacements for oil and gas.

The [government’s] goal is for the country to be emissions-free by 2050.

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