Ontario Field-scale Agricultural Biomass Research

This project is studying, with the assistance of farm cooperators and researchers, options in Ontario for growing purpose-grown energy crops sustainably and economically on a field-scale.

A meeting with information for 2011-2013 participation was scheduled for 10:00am, OCTOBER 8, 2010. We have posted the link below.

The slides from the Fall 2010 Information Meeting can be downloaded as a PDF:
Download Biomass Information Meeting Web Seminar PDF  (5.71 MB)

Applications will continue to be accepted on a 'first come, first serve' basis, provided the applicant meets all project criteria and objectives. Successful Applications of Interest for this ongoing intake will have side-by-side crop comparisons of (a) two varieties of miscanthus or (b) a miscanthus variety and a switchgrass variety.  These plots will contain 10-20 acres of EACH variety.  This criteria is being imposed to maximize the research quality of the project by creating a comprehensive, inclusive experimental design.

Applications and Guides for 2011-2013 project inclusion are available at the bottom of this page.

For further inquiries, contact:
Nick Betts, Outreach Coordinator

Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association
1 Stone Road West, Guelph, Ontario N1G 4Y2

Tel: 519.826.4219
Fax 519.826.4224
Email: nick.betts@ontariosoilcrop.org
Tw: @nickAToscia

Field-scale Agricultural Biomass Research and Development

The Field-scale Agricultural Biomass Research and Development project is a 4-year component of a comprehensive research project to determine, on a pilot scale, whether purpose-grown agricultural biomass is an economically sustainable and environmentally preferable alternative to coal and non-renewable fuels. The purpose of establishing field-scale biomass plots is to give producers and researchers the opportunity to develop a scale-up infrastructure. Not all questions regarding economy and agronomy of agricultural biomass can be answered with current research. This research will provide the initial steps of the comprehensive project that includes life cycle analysis, industrial manufacturing, power generation, and the field trials associated with agricultural biomass production. The anticipated outcome includes commercialization of agricultural biomass ,enabling a diversification of producers' crop options and associated income leading to a new crop with potential farm-gate values over $100 million, in five years.

Eligibility

Who is Eligible
The following farmers are eligible:

1. Canadian residents and the registered owners of the farm business which is part of a farming enterprise;
2. Those who have a rental/lease agreement for the length of the project (if they are not the landowners);
3. Those with an up-to-date, peer-reviewed Environmental Farm Plan;
4. Those with a Farm Business Registration Number.

A partnership or corporation is considered to be one applicant.

What is Expected of the Farm Cooperator
All farm cooperators selected for involvement on the biomass field trials are expected to:

1. Complete the entire field study of the project (2009-2013);
2. Provide reasonable in-kind contribution
   • note: only hired labour will be reimbursed. A farmer or principle of a partnership or corporation , as well as equipment, will not receive reimbursement for their time; it will only be recognized as in-kind; all associated costs must be from arm's-length contractors or companies.
3. Open the project farm to field days and demonstrations;
4. Cooperate and work with the research team in resource management and field study coordinator throughout the field trial;
5. Participate in all research gathering and surveys required to fulfill objectives by researchers;
6. Follow field protocols outlined for planting/management/harvest by the research team;
7. Produce the crop in a manner that is in the nature and spirit of sustainable crop production;
8. Understand the crop is the property of the farmer and all revenue associated with market sale are solely the responsibility and to the benefit of the farmer;
9. Sign and abide by the project Terms and Conditions Agreement;
10. Follow required steps to receive potential remuneration.

In-Kind Contributions
In-kind contributions are measurable contributions to the project by the applicant to a reasonable cash-equivalent. In-kind
contributions would include operational costs that the applicant(s) would normally incur as part of their ongoing operation.
Applicant(s)' in-kind contributions will only be recognized when fair value can be reasonably estimated.

Eligible in-kind contributions:

• must be essential to the project's success;
• must not contravene the project Terms and Conditions;
• may include facility use, salaries of applicant(s), and use of equipment;
• all associated costs must be from arm's-length contractors or companies.

Any project costs incurred before February 26, 2010 are not eligible for reimbursement.

Download Application of interest
Download Program Guide