Grain Farmers of Ontario is the recent recipient of funding to develop a feasibility study looking at the development of a small scale, niche style soybean processing facility in Ontario. With soybean production continuing to grow throughout the province and significant production growth seen in Western Canada, increased processing capabilities are needed. The initiative is the first of its kind in Canada with participation from across the value-chain, including farmers, academia, and the private sector. Funding received will go towards the investigation of market opportunities for both the oil and meal, investigation into specialized equipment, as well as alternative energy sources. Grain Farmers of Ontario, along with our industry partners, hopes to be able to make a formal announcement regarding the project by the end of the year.

This project was funded in part through Growing Forward 2 (GF2), a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of GF2 in Ontario. •

Renewable Industries Canada held its second annual Renewable Industries Forum in Ottawa this week. The event brought together government, industry, and academia experts to discuss the Federal Clean Fuel Standard and how renewable fuels and bio-based products can help achieve the government’s climate change mitigation goals through increases in ethanol and bio-diesel mandates. 

Grain Farmers of Ontario is a member of Renewable Industries Canada. Our organization was represented at the event by Crosby Devitt, vice president of strategic development. •

Ron Davidson has officially been selected as the new executive director of Soy Canada. The association’s Board of Directors announced this week that Davidson will start in the new role in Soy Canada’s Ottawa office beginning November 1, taking over from interim executive director Dale Adolphe.
 
Davidson has held multiple senior positions in professional organizations in both the public and private sectors and has extensive international and diplomatic experience working for the Government of Canada in various diplomatic postings. Davidson also held senior roles in both the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture.

Over the coming weeks, Davidson will be working with the Soy Canada Board of Directors and staff on a transition process. With a full-time leader now in place, Soy Canada looks forward to continuing its work to facilitate industry cooperation and represent the industry on domestic and international issues affecting the growth and development of the sector.

Grain Farmers of Ontario is a member of Soy Canada. •