Future of Grain
HIGHLIGHTING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN GRAIN PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION
Federal government supports commercial bio-based chemical plant
A significant repayable investment in BioAmber Sarnia was made by the Government of Canada in mid-February. The funding is to help the company build the world’s largest commercial plant to produce bio-based succinic acid.
Succinic acid is a key chemical used by a wide variety of manufacturing industries. It is used in paints, plastics, resins, de-icers, pharmaceuticals, solvents, food additives, fabrics, and cosmetics. BioAmber Sarnia will use an innovative manufacturing process that uses corn-derived feedstock to produce succinic acid. This process replaces the conventional petrochemical method of producing the acid, and is carbon neutral.
The new plant will need 1.5 million bushels of feedstock in its first year of operation and is expected to increase to three million bushels next year. The new plant will generate 60 direct jobs within the facility by 2017 in addition to 155 engineering and construction jobs.
Funding for this project was provided under the AgiInnovation Program, a five-year initiative under the Growing Forward 2 policy framework, designed to accelerate the pace of innovation by supporting research and development activities in agri-innovations. •
Who are you following?
Farmers are using Twitter to stay connected and up to date with industry news. Each month, Ontario Grain Farmer magazine will highlight Twitter accounts we think you should consider following or hashtags (#) that will help you join specific conversations.
#plant14
This year’s planting season is here. Discover how other farmers across the province and country are progressing with the hashtag #plant14. Discuss weather, equipment, disease, and pest issues, and the progress in your field. It’s a great way to keep in touch during this busy time.
@HealthyGrain
The Healthy Grains Institute, formed in 2012, aims to provide Canadians with scientific evidence about the health benefits of including whole grains in their diets and works to dispel myths about whole grains and the gluten tolerance issues. They currently have nearly 300 followers. •
The Digital Toolbox
The smartphone, tablet and computer are important tools on today’s farms. Each month, Ontario Grain Farmer magazine will highlight an app, online tool, or website that may help you in the field or in the farm office.
EncircaSM View
The new mobile app EncircaSM View from DuPont Pioneer Services makes it easy to record, organize, and share crop observations. Crop notes are automatically geo-referenced, making it easy to see improvements and layer information field by field. The My View feature can toggle between years to see historical trends. The first-of-a-kind Community View provides real-time information on crop conditions, growth stages, and soil moisture. An upgrade to Encirca View Premium includes weather forecasts, market news and analysis, and a personalized weather station. The EncircaSM View app is available for Apple or Android mobile devices on the app store. •
