Ontario Biomass Producers Co-operative Inc.

World Soil Day is a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources. Where would we be without healthy soil? Learn more about the state of Canada’s soils in this senate report: https://lnkd.in/gmAXJeAk

The Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) is currently open for funding and there is a virtual information session scheduled for next Tuesday, October 29th, 2:00 – 4:00 pm. Register for the information session at: https://lnkd.in/d2QUjazW OAFRI has a number of funding streams to support the development and adoption of new technologies for farmers, food processors and agri-businesses that will enhance their competitiveness and growth. Find out more at: https://lnkd.in/gWts-YiM

Looking to diversify your operation? Check out our website for a wealth of growing resources and information about the biomass industry. https://lnkd.in/dNM8WEp3

Making plans for next year? As part of the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative, the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP), provides funding to support Ontario farmers in making their agricultural lands more productive and resilient. One project category is Perennial Biomass Crops, with funding of $500 or $1,000 per acre. Get paid for planting switchgrass! Learn more at https://lnkd.in/dUvNASQR

Stay up-to-date on the latest news, innovations, and research happening in the Ontario biomass industry. Sign up for our newsletter at https://lnkd.in/dycU6mYr Photo credit: Roger Samson - Canopy of RC Big Rock Switchgrass

The Comprehensive Guide to Switchgrass Management is an agronomy basics book produced by OBPC and our partners. It provides a summary of research and practical knowledge about growing and harvesting switchgrass. Grab your copy of the guide here: https://lnkd.in/d5qzZV22

If you’ve been on the fence about growing switchgrass, check out the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) from OSCIA. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/dbM6nAXd

Check out this video of miscanthus being harvested.🌱 Biomass crops such as miscanthus and switchgrass are fast-growing perennial grasses and are not just a renewable resource, they’re a key ingredient in the next generation of sustainable building materials. From structural components to insulation, these versatile plants are paving the way for eco-friendly construction. Integrating biobased materials into our building practices not only helps our carbon footprint, but also contributes to a greener, more sustainable future. Video credit: Scott Abercrombie - Gildale Farms

Now that’s some bioMASS! OBPC member Don Nott provided this picture of his wife Phyllis standing next to an 8-foot stake in front of a field of RC Big Rock, one of the switchgrass varieties he grows. Imagine growing a perennial crop that provides you with that much material to use in a variety of applications. That sounds smart and sustainable to us!

Recently published studies have been looking at the economic feasibility of turning grassy biomass into renewable natural gas through the use of anaerobic digesters. "A study published in Global Change Biology Bioenergy modeled the economic and environmental impact of two hypothetical digesters processing grassy biomass in the Grand River Basin in northwest Missouri and southwest Iowa. Over their expected 20-year lifespan, the digesters would produce a combined profit of more than $400 million under the best conditions, based on the researchers’ analysis. The 45 million gigajoules of renewable natural gas created over two decades – equal to about 12.5 billion kilowatt hours – would have a carbon footprint 83% lower than natural gas derived from fossil fuels. Emissions also project to be lower than those from corn-based ethanol or soybean-based biodiesel." Read more at https://lnkd.in/d3TP-Tvi