New biofuels and bioproducts centre for Saskatchewan

Saskatoon, SK – Ag-West Bio says it is receiving $257,180 from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food (ACAAF) program.

The organization says it will use the funding to establish a biofuels and bioproducts centre. “The centre, although not a ‘bricks and mortar’ centre, will operate as an industry development centre, assembling research teams to exploit Saskatchewan’s natural advantages in biomass and in delivering technology solutions,” said John Hyshka, Ag-West Bio’s board chair.

Ron Kehrig, Ag-West Bio vice president, biofuels and bioproducts, will act as the Centre’s Director. “Our aim is to facilitate project and operational support toward successful commercialization,” he explained. “A steering committee representing the University of Saskatchewan, SRC, POS, AAFC, PBI and the Sask Biofuels Development Council was struck following last year’s Life Sciences Sector Study compiled by the Conference Board of Canada. Based on those findings, the centre will focus R&D efforts in the specific strategic areas of oilseeds, thermal biomass conversion, carbohydrate bioconversion and fibres. It will work with private and public interests and research groups to align and assemble efforts to strategic commercial opportunities.”