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NEWS BITES THAT MATTER
The Eastern Canadian division of grain company Parrish and Heimbecker, Limited (P&H) recently announced plans to invest in a new, state-of-the-art, dry edible bean processing facility in Hensall, Ontario. The project development plans indicate that ground-breaking is imminent.
Located in the heart of Huron County, this new investment sends a strong and supportive signal to Ontario’s 2,000 navy bean (white pea bean) producers says the company. “This project provides a direct boost to the local community,” said P&H Eastern Canadian grain operations Director, Robert Bryson. “P&H has built strong relationships over the years with Ontario’s top food quality dry bean producers.”
The award was created in 2005 to honour Rosemary Davis, FCC’s first female board chair. Rosemary was a successful agribusiness owner and operator for many years and active in the industry. Judging criteria for the award include demonstrated leadership, community involvement and making a difference in agriculture by displaying passion for the industry and a clear vision for its future.
Also awarded with this honour are Gay Hahn, a dairy producer from BC; Jeannie van Dyk, a dairy and crops producer from NS; Margaret Rempel, a hog and crops producer from MB; and Marie Gosselin, a greenhouse operator from QC. •
Farmers take on Formula One
The recent Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix marks the first time cellulosic ethanol has been used in the Grand Prix reports Louisa Taylor in the Ottawa Citizen. Ferrari teammates Fernando Alonso of Spain and Felipe Massa of Brazil came in first and second respectively in the Bahrain Grand Prix in March. The Ferraris that won this race were driving on fuel made in part with straw supplied by Ottawa area farmers.
According to Taylor, Iogen Corp. of Ottawa, a biofuel manufacturer, uses local straw to produce cellulosic ethanol which it supplies to Royal Dutch Shell. This ethanol is then added to the gasoline supplied to Ferrari for its Formula One racecars.
According to Formula One rules and regulations, a minimum of 5.75 percent of the fuel used must be comprised of bio-components. •
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OFA President honoured with “Women in Agriculture” title
Bette Jean Crews, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), is one of five women in Canada to be honoured with the Rosemary Davis Award by Farm Credit Canada (FCC). The honour recognizes leadership and commitment to the Canadian agriculture and agri-food industry.
