ecoAGRICULTURE

Since coming to office, the government has announced $500 million to assist farmers and rural communities to seize new market opportunities in the agricultural bioproducts sector through biofuels and bioproducts initiatives.

The $500 million investment includes:

• $200M for ecoAGRICULTURE Biofuels Capital (ecoABC) Initiative will provide producers with incentives for participation in new renewable fuels production capacity. Funding is conditional upon agricultural producer investment in the biofuel projects, and the use of agricultural feedstock to produce the biofuel.
  
  
• $145M for Agricultural Bioproducts Innovation Program (ABIP) will provide support for cross-sector research networks conducting scientific research and development related to the advancement of a Canadian bio-based economy.
  
  
• $134M for Agri-Opportunities Program will enhance the competitiveness and prosperity of our agricultural sector by supporting the commercialization of agricultural bio-products, processes and services that are new to Canada.
  
  
• $20M for Biofuels Opportunities for Producers Initiative will assists farmers in hiring technical, financial and business planning advisors to help develop sound business proposals and undertake feasibility and other supporting studies.
  
  
• $1M for biofuels production under Co-operative Development Initiative will provide support to individuals, groups and communities wishing to develop co-operatives as a way to take advantage of opportunities associated with biofuels and other value-added activities.
  
  
• Renewable Fuels Strategy