Government of Canada Invests in Industrial Bioeconomy to Reduce GHG Emissions

August 19, 2024

From: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

News Release
Date: August 19, 2024 | Location: Sarnia, Ontario

Canada is strengthening its bioindustrial sector by focusing on research and innovation, creating new opportunities, enhancing competitiveness, and paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre, announced on behalf of the Honorable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, a funding of up to $6,592,913 for Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC) through the AgriScience Program – Clusters Component. This initiative is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

The Bioproducts Cluster, led by BIC, aims to develop specialized technologies that convert renewable resources like agricultural residues into bioenergy, biofuels, and biomaterials, such as ethanol and biodegradable plastics. The goal is to support a transition to a renewables-based economy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This will be achieved by enhancing biomass production, creating new bioproducts from Canadian crops, and converting by-products into valuable bio-based materials.

Quotes:

“The Bioproducts Cluster, led by Bioindustrial Innovation Canada, is helping us find green solutions that make the most of our resources. This funding will provide new opportunities for our farmers to profit from agricultural by-products that would otherwise go to waste. It’s a win for farmers and a step toward a more sustainable future for all Canadians.”
— The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“This funding underscores our commitment to advancing technologies that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the value of Canadian agricultural products. Together, we are strengthening our agricultural sector and building a greener future.”
— Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament, London North Centre
“BIC is pleased to receive support from AAFC to continue to support the development of emerging technologies that provide benefit to Canada and Canadian farmers. Canada’s agriculture sector represents significant opportunities for development and commercialization of bioproducts through green chemistry. Integrating agricultural feedstocks and downstream bioproducts into various industry value chains will not only increase Canada’s agricultural opportunities but also support industrial decarbonization. The Cluster supports project activities focused on biochemicals, biomaterials, biofuels, and energy, as well as innovative agricultural tools and practices that will assist in providing sustainable feedstocks and co-products into these applications. These technologies offer added and alternative value opportunities to the sector, complement existing traditional value chains, and support industrial decarbonization, thereby lowering the overall carbon intensity of all sectors involved.”
— Meaghan Seagrave, Executive Director, Bioindustrial Innovation Canada

Quick Facts:

In 2015, Canada provided about 22 million metric tonnes of biomass to industrial bioproducts producers, with approximately 43% coming from the agricultural sector.
The revenue from Canadian industrial bioproducts in 2015 was estimated at $4.27 billion. By 2030, the global bioeconomy is projected to reach $10.5 trillion CAD annually, with Canada’s estimated share up to $240 billion CAD.
The bioeconomy utilizes renewable biological resources to sustainably produce food, goods, and energy, driving economic growth.
BIC previously received $5.5 million in funding through the Growing Forward 2 framework and $11.2 million through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership framework.
The AgriScience Program, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, supports innovation by funding and supporting pre-commercial science activities and research that benefit the agriculture and agri-food sector, and Canadians.
The Clusters Component under the AgriScience Program focuses on projects that bring together industry, government, and academia to address national priorities and horizontal issues.
Bioindustrial Innovation Canada is a national not-for-profit business accelerator that provides crucial strategic investments, advice, and services to developers of clean, green, and sustainable technologies.

Associated Links:

AgriScience Program – Clusters
Bioindustrial Innovation Canada

Contacts:

Bradley Henstock, Director of Parliamentary Affairs, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food | [email protected]
Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario | 613-773-7972 | 1-866-345-7972 | [email protected]

Additional Information:

Date Modified: August 19, 2024
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For more information, please refer to the original article from Health Canada.