April 13, 2007

BRANDON, Manitoba - Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, today announced that Canada's New Government is investing $575,000 to help four local companies participate in the emerging biofuels industry.

"Canada's New Government is committed to the environment and improving the profitability of farmers," said Merv Tweed. "Projects funded under the Biofuels Opportunities for Producers Initiative (BOPI) are part of a practical approach to improving the environment and providing greater business opportunities for the agricultural sector in Manitoba."

Through BOPI, an initiative administered under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food (ACAAF) program, companies in southern Manitoba are receiving funding to help prepare feasibility studies and business plans to create and expand biofuels production capacity in Manitoba.

BOPI is a $20 million commitment by Canada's New Government that is designed to provide farmers and rural communities with opportunities to participate in, and benefit from, increased Canadian biofuels production. The program 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 ACAAF Program. In Manitoba, the funding for these projects is administered by the Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council (MRAC).

"MRAC is pleased to deliver the BOPI program," said Linda MacNair, Chair, MRAC. "These four projects are among those that are a part of Manitoba's participation in helping Canada reach its biofuels goals and reduce greenhouse gases."

In Budget 2007, Canada's New Government allocated $2 billion over seven years to support the production of renewable fuels. In addition, since coming to office this government has announced $500 million to assist farmers and rural communities to seize new market opportunities in the agricultural bio-products sector through biofuels and bio-products initiatives.

• Backgrounder - Biofuels Opportunities for Producers Initiative Funds Four Manitoba Projects