Bioproduct research funded
The federal government is spending about $1.8 million under the AgriAssurance program to assist Bioindustrial Innovation Canada to further develop research-based standards for measuring the quality of bioproducts made from agricultural sources.
The bioeconomy, which is part of the green economy, is based on the production and sale of products other than foodstuffs made from agricultural, aquatic and forestry resources, as well as municipal waste.
This can include crops grown as alternatives to petroleum-based products, such as corn for ethanol, or using stems and leaves to produce bioproducts such as packaging.
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Canola oil transloading facility opens
DP World just opened its new canola oil transload facility at the Port of Vancouver. It can ship one million tonnes of the commodity per year.
The project will also help scientists continue to explore plant genetics and environmental factors that could lead to the development of new crop varieties to supply bioproducts production.
Canadian Hereford Association
Michael Latimer of Olds, Alta., is the Canadian Hereford Association’s new executive director.
Latimer previously served as executive director for the Canadian Beef Breeds Council where he managed the sector’s international market development program and scientific based technology transfer projects.
While there, he collaborated with the national beef organizations to establish the National Beef Strategic Plan and the Canadian Beef Industry Conference.
He also served as general manager for the Canadian Angus Association where he oversaw the growth of the Canadian Angus Foundation and several collaborative marketing initiatives.
He currently serves as vice-president of Canadian Western Agribition and has been involved in the Beef Supreme, international and commercial cattle committees.
4-H Scholarships
Fifteen 4-H members from across Canada were awarded $1,000 John Deere Canada 4-H Scholarships toward their post-secondary education in a degree, certificate, or trade-based program for the upcoming academic year.
More information is at 4-h-canada.ca/scholarships.
Hunters Stay on Track
The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation and Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association urge hunters to “stay on track” this season.
Prolonged dry conditions and the possibly of high winds could create uncontrolled wild fires if ignited.
Hunters should take extra precautions, which include carrying a fire extinguisher in vehicles, gaining permission from landowners before going on their property, avoiding unnecessary vehicle idling and always staying on existing trails and roads.
For details on fire risk, visit saskatchewan.ca/fire.
Broadband in Elgin County
The federal and Ontario governments are each investing more than $1.68 million to begin construction of enhanced broadband infrastructure in Elgin County.
New fibre technology and additional network infrastructure will increase access to fast, reliable high-speed internet to more than 1,100 homes, farms and businesses across the county.
The Ontario government’s plan is to bring high-speed internet access to every community by 2025.
CEO of the year
Olly Peoples was recognized as AgTech chief executive officer of the Year in the 2022 AgTech Breakthrough Awards.
AgTech Breakthrough is a market intelligence organization that acknowledges the top companies, technologies and products in the global agricultural and food technology markets.
This year’s program attracted more than 1,600 nominations from more than 15 countries.
Peoples is president and CEO of Yield10 Bioscience, which is developing camelina sativa as a sustainable platform crop to produce feedstock oil for biofuels, omega-3 oil, and longer-term, PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) bioplastic.
