Biomass centre receives funding
The Composites Innovation Centre Manitoba will receive $2.9 million in federal funding for two initiatives:
- developing quality standards and measurement techniques for biomass
- research into overcoming technology barriers to the adoption of natural fibres in the composites industry
Almost $1 million will be used to look for and improve quality standards and measurement techniques for the commercialization of biomass in the biomaterial, biochemical, biofuel and bioenergy sectors.
The other $1.9 million will be spent on research into how farming practices, crop varieties and weather can affect the strength and quality of composites.
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The not-for-profit corporation will also develop tougher natural fibre reinforced composites. Researchers will combine these fibres with plastic resins to produce parts for vehicles and farm equipment.
Green jobs eligible for wage subsidy
The Career Focus Green Jobs program is offering wage subsidies for employers with an environmental focus.
The move is an effort to hire new graduates. The program targets small and medium sized businesses with an environmental focus and helps reduce the cost barriers of hiring new graduates.
Half of a graduate’s salary is subsidized to a maximum of $13,500 per year.
A green job must have a green mandate or the employer needs to have an environmental focus.
For example, the job must help reduce the consumption of energy and raw materials, limit greenhouse gas emissions, minimize waste and pollution and protect and restore ecosystems.
Such opportunities may be found in non-profit environmental organizations, solar and wind technology companies, environmental science centres, watershed and water resource agencies, farms and farming co-ops, conservation organizations, museums and educational institutions, waste management companies and information technology companies.
Applications must be submitted by Dec. 12 to offset employment costs until June 2017.
For more information, contact Jennifer Ash at 613-234-1402, extension 221, jash@biotalent.ca or www.biotalent.ca/en/career-focus-green-jobs.
Royal Fair expands global awareness
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is receiving as much as $221,210 in federal funding to expand the reach of its international audience and gain more direct involvement from commodity groups and partners.
To enhance its outreach, the Royal will establish an international business centre, further develop communications tools, deliver promotional campaigns, webcast all large livestock shows, market Canadian livestock genetics and create an international press tour.
The funding will help the Royal showcase the best of Canadian agriculture and food to international audiences, which last year drew more than 3,500 international visitors from 54 countries.
Young Speakers for Agriculture winners
The Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competition announced the winners during the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.
Thirty competitors from 11 to 24 participated in this year’s public speaking competition. They offered their insight and solutions regarding the following topics:
- What is the impact of public opinion on Canadian farmers?
- How would you explain a genetically modified organism to a non-farmer?
- What does the next generation of agriculture bring to the table?
- How can we improve the media’s perception of Canadian agriculture?
- Old MacDonald had a farm — but what about Mrs. MacDonald?
Senior champion was Spencer Graling from St. Paul, Alta., first runner-up was Daniel Vander Hout from Waterdown, Ont., and second runner-up was Katelyn Ayers from Severn, Ont.
Junior champion was Douglas Archer from Mount Pleasant, Ont., first runner-up was Maxwell Archer from Mount Pleasant, Ont., and second runner-up was Aleri Swalwell from Strathmore, Alta.
Next year’s topics will be:
- Working in agriculture is more than just farming.
- Does digital farming have a place in the future of Canadian agriculture?
- Farmgate to dinner plate: the importance of food traceability for Canadian consumers.
- How will we feed nine billion people by 2050?
- Food waste: what is the global impact and who is responsible for making a change?
For more information, visit cysa-joca.ca.
