Canada Continues to Lead in Biofuels Research

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - January 24, 2009; The Canadian Renewable Fuels Association (CRFA) acknowledged yesterday the increased investment by the Government of Canada in both cellulosic biofuels research and in the creation of new opportunities for biofuels and the livestock sector.

The new Cellulosic Biofuels Network (CBN) will help in the advancement of commercializing cellulosic ethanol, especially from agricultural biomass. The new Feed Opportunities from the Biofuels Industries (FOBI) research network will aid in developing improved co-products in the biofuels production process, such as the key ethanol production co-product of distillers grains for livestock feed.

"The investments this week in the Cellulosic Biofuels Network and the Feed Opportunities from the Biofuels Industries research network will both provide tremendous opportunities and new markets for Canadian farmers," said CRFA President Gordon Quaiattini. "The network participants from government, academia, and industry collaborating in such a manner will ensure the efficient and effective development of advanced biofuels and co-products from both grain and biomass."

Both program investments in Canada come as renewed efforts to expand the use and development of biofuels in the United States takes place. President Obama and his new administration have vowed to accelerate the commercial use of renewable fuels in the U.S., as he said in his inauguration speech, "We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories."

"President Obama's strong commitment to expanding renewable fuels in the U.S., combined with strong programs in research and the development of our own biofuels industry in Canada, show that Canada is well poised to take advantage of the growth of renewable fuels in North America," said Quaiattini.