DEVOLIN SUPPORTS $718,000 INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION IN ONTARIO

May 14, 2007

PETERBOROUGH – Local MP Barry Devolin is supporting a recent investment by Canada’s New Government of over $718,000 in six Eastern and Central Ontario organizations to help them participate in the emerging biofuels industry. The announcement was made by Peterborough MP Dean Del Mastro, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri﷓Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board. 

“Canada’s New Government is supporting a number of alternative energy projects across the country, including right here in Eastern and Central Ontario,” said Devolin. “This demonstrates that our government is taking serious, affordable and results-oriented steps to protect the environment. It also means new market opportunities for farmers and rural towns and economic growth for companies like the ones getting funds today.”

The organizations being funded through the Biofuels Opportunities for Producers Initiative (BOPI) include Kawartha Ethanol Inc., Wehrmann Farms, Energrow, Sunderland Co-op Inc., O’Connor Land and Cattle Company, and Clearydale Farms. 

BOPI is a $20 million commitment by Canada’s New Government designed to provide farmers and rural communities with opportunities to participate in, and benefit from, increased Canadian biofuels production. 

The initiative helps agricultural producers develop sound business proposals, as well as undertake feasibility or other studies to support the creation and expansion of biofuel production capacity. It is delivered through the regional industry councils that administer Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Program. In Ontario, the funding for these projects is administered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council. 

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For more information contact: 
Barry Devolin, MP 
(705) 324-2400 
(866) 688-9881