New biodiesel market for Ontario soybeans

GUELPH, ON (September 24, 2013) – Grain Farmers of Ontario is pleased to acknowledge a potentially significant new market for Ontario soybeans. Great Lakes Biodiesel has begun production in Welland, Ontario.

This facility will be Canada’s largest biodiesel plant producing 170 million litres of biodiesel annually. The feedstock for this facility will be sourced primarily from processors who currently crush soybeans grown in the province of Ontario.

“This locally produced, renewable, and sustainable fuel is a win for the environment, for jobs and for the provincial economy,” says Henry Van Ankum, Chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario.

Grain Farmers of Ontario and Soy 20/20 have worked together to complete extensive research to encourage the Ontario Government that a made in Ontario biodiesel mandate is good for the provincial economy and good for the environment. Nationally, Canada has a 2% biodiesel mandate, and with the expansion of production in Ontario, Grain Farmers of Ontario hopes to see the implementation of a 2% provincial biodiesel mandate.

“It is important that we support the growth of this valuable market within our province,” says Van Ankum. “An Ontario mandate would demonstrate that commitment.”

Grain Farmers of Ontario

Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 corn, soybean and wheat farmers. The crops they grow cover 6 million acres of farm land across the province, generate over $2.5 billion in farm gate receipts, result in over $9 billion in economic output and are responsible for over 40,000 jobs in the province.

Contact:

Barry Senft, CEO – 1-800-265-0550; bsenft@gfo.ca