In the news
NEWS BITES THAT MATTER
World’s first 100% biofuel flight
The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has successfully flown the first civil jet powered by 100% unblended biofuel. To date, flights using biofuels have been restricted to a 50% blend with petroleum. The Falcon 20 twin engine jet, one of NRC’s specifically equipped jets, was used for the test flight. It was tailed by a second aircraft that collected data on the emissions generated by the biofuel. This information will be analyzed to better understand the environmental impact of biofuel.
The bio-fuel used for the flight was transformed by Applied Research Associates and Chevron Lummus Global, using oilseed crops commercialized by Agrisoma Bioscience Inc. More than 40 growers in Western Canada have been contracted to grow over six thousand acres of the dedicated industrial oilseed crop that is used to make the biofuel.
The aviation biofuel initiative is a step towards advancing sustainable sources of renewable energy which could help grow new Canadian markets for farmers. The initiative is funded by the NRC, Agrisoma Biosciences Inc., Applied Research Associates, the Government of Canada’s Clean Transportation Initiatives and the Green Aviation Research and Development Network (GARDN). •
Not all food choices based on facts
Farmers Feed Cities conducted an ‘Informed Food Philosophy Study’ to learn more about the food purchasing decisions Canadians are making and what’s behind those decisions.
The study revealed consumers are more interested in buying local than buying organic. Less than half (41%) of Canadians believe genetically modified food is safe to eat. And only 66% of Canadians are aware that meat and milk products must be tested before they can be sold in the country.
Consumers are also confused about farming practices. The study showed terms such as ‘free run’ and ‘free range’ were often misunderstood by those who specifically purchased eggs based on these labels. Additionally, the majority of people surveyed believe livestock have high levels of either artificial hormones, antibiotics or vaccines.
Farmers Feed Cities is currently working to address these consumer misconceptions. The study has been featured on various television and radio programs and in print publications across the country which has allowed Farmers Feed Cities to discuss the findings and provide Canadians with the truths about agriculture. •
Canadian feed business merger
Masterfeeds Inc. and Ridley Inc. (which operates as Feed-Rite) have merged their respective commercial livestock and poultry feed and nutrition businesses in Canada into a new entity called Masterfeeds LP. This creates the second largest feed company in the country.
The new company now operates 22 feed manufacturing plants and employ 500 people in Ontario, Quebec and the Prairies. A letter was distributed to suppliers explaining the merger and transition of the purchasing functions which will eventually be handled by management and staff at Masterfeeds’ headquarters in London, Ontario. Suppliers have been told to expect further instructions from the company detailing their procurement initiatives going forward. •
