Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release
Sept. 20, 2006

GOVERNMENT PROVIDES FUNDING FOR NEW BIOFUELS OPPORTUNITIES
TO PRODUCERS ACROSS CANADA

OTTAWA, Ontario - Farmers and rural communities across Canada can now benefit from $5 million in funds to help them increase their participation in biofuels production in Canada.

The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, and the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment, today announced that the Government has released $5 million to fund the Biofuels Opportunities for Producers Initiative. The industry-led councils that deliver Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food program in the provinces and territories are now accepting applications for funding under this program.

"Canada's new government announced earlier this year that it is aiming to achieve five percent average renewable fuel in transport fuel by 2010 and this means increasing biofuels production in Canada," said Minister Strahl. "We've listened to farmers and others in rural communities who've told us they need financial support to participate in the value chain. This initiative will help them make sure they can take advantage of the biofuels opportunities that lie ahead."

The $5 million in funding is the first wave of funding from a $10 million package announced in July. The initiative will help participants hire experts to help develop business proposals and undertake feasibility studies to expand biofuels production capacity that involves significant (greater than one-third) ownership by farmers.

"With over 17 million vehicles on our roads and highways, reducing emissions by improving efficiency and using cleaner fuels is important," said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "Biofuels are a sustainable, renewable alternative that will diversify Canada's energy mix."

"Our five percent target for the average renewable content in Canadian motor fuels will have real environmental benefits for Canadians," said Minister Ambrose. "This initiative is one element of a practical, results-oriented approach that my colleagues and I will be rolling out over the coming months to protect the health of Canadians."

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will make the remaining funds available through the provincial and territorial councils based on demonstrated project demands in early winter 2007. Application procedures and deadlines for this first wave of funding will be determined by each council. For more information on how to apply, please visit www.agr.gc.ca/bopi.

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