$1.5M funding for crop enhancement trials and biofuels

Dawson Creek, BC – The federal government is providing $1.5 million to support a biofuel production study and an assessment to identify the best crop varieties for unique Peace River region growing conditions.

$1.2 million is being provided to the BC Peace River Cereal, Flax and Pulse Crop Enhancement project. This five-year project will use crop trials to determine what varieties are best suited for the unique growing environment in the Peace region. Crops to be researched will include ethanol feedstock (for biofuel production), hard white spring wheat, shorter season flax, barley, and pea varieties. Funding for this initiative is provided through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food (ACAAF) program.

Through the Biofuels Opportunities for Producers Initiative (BOPI) the BC Grain Producers Association has received the maximum contribution of $300,000 to develop a business plan to construct a biodiesel production facility. The plan will help local industry take the next step in creating a sustainable, environmentally friendly, agriculture-based energy project in the Peace region.