Federal funding helps to grow bioeconomy while better managing farm waste

Federal funding of more than $4.5 million will help farmers improve their plastic waste management and on-farm sustainability while growing the bioeconomy.

The funding will help five new projects that will advance bioplastics research and help Canadian farmers remain leaders in sustainable, climate-smart agriculture.

Marie-Claude Bibeau, minister of agriculture and agri-food, made the announcement alongside Cleanfarms, a national non-profit industry stewardship organization. Cleanfarms will receive up to $1.1 million through the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program to develop a strategy to responsibly manage the estimated 60,000 tonnes of plastic waste generated on Canadian farms every year. Their project will increase farmer access to recycling programs and explore ways to deliver long-term, permanent programs that will help Canadian farmers continue to improve the sustainability of their operations.

The other recipients are:

• EcoEnviro Labs Inc., which will receive up to $1 million through Innovative Solutions Canada to advance testing of a new organic bioplastic mulch made from poultry feathers. This could serve as a lower-waste, fully biodegradable and compostable way to produce mulch needed in Canada’s agriculture sector.
• Titan Clean Energy Projects Corp., which will receive up to $1 million through Innovative Solutions Canada to test a food-grade quality bioplastic, ideal for fruit or prepared vegetable containers, that biodegrades more quickly and will result in less landfill and more sustainable options for grocery stores and shoppers.
• TerraVerdae Bioworks Inc., which will receive up to $1 million through the Agricultural Clean Technology Program to develop a new generation of biodegradable bioplastic film and injection molded products that target agriculture applications such as mulch film and seed trays. The project intends to displace conventional petroleum-based agricultural plastics.
• Red Leaf Pulp Ltd., which will receive up to $495,000 through the Agricultural Clean Technology Program to support research and product trials for a straw pulp bio-polymer for use within the wood and pulp industry, and in the production of low carbon fuels and renewable natural gas. The project intends to displace plastic and styrofoam packaging.

“Canada’s agricultural sector continues to develop innovative tools and approaches to ensure their operations are sustainable,” Bibeau said. “Today’s funding will support farmers looking for ways to better manage their plastic waste, and help advance the necessary work to turn crop residues and other agricultural by-products into renewable energy. This is a win-win for our hardworking farmers, the environment and Canada’s bioeconomy.”

The announcement complements Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s broader commitment to Canada’s bioeconomy. Together, these investments highlight the Government of Canada’s commitment to sustainability while growing the bioeconomy and creating economic opportunities and jobs.