Fuel pellet maker to supply Italian market Tuesday, July 3, 2012 by BETTER FARMING STAFFAn Ontario fuel pellet manufacturer has inked a $36 million agreement to supply homes and institutions in northern Italy with biofuel.Ian Moncrieff, president and CEO of Canadian Biofuel, based in Chatham, says the contract is for five years and has been brokered by U.S.-based Greene’s Energy Group LLC. Moncrieff says he cannot reveal the name of the purchaser because of a confidentiality agreement. Other news reports have identified the company as Toronto-based Green Dot Biomass Energy Company Inc. According to its website, Green Dot’s Italian-based parent company is Helios S.R.L.A Green Dot representative did not respond to an emailed request for an interview but did acknowledge during a brief telephone conversation that she was familiar with Canadian Biofuel.Moncrieff says the pellets will be burned in central heating plants serving apartments and institutional residences.“The demand for pellets in Europe is going up exponentially,” he says, noting the demand for pellets in Italy is expected to reach three million tonnes this winter and the country has the capacity to produce only 600,000 tonnes. Previously, Italy turned to northern European countries to make up the difference “however those countries are beginning to use more domestically, which means there’s less to export.”The agreement will mean increasing Canadian Biofuel’s Springford facility’s production capacity to 48,000 tonnes a year. The plant’s current capacity is 27,000 tonnes annually based on operating 24 hours, six days a week. The facility is located in a former Cargill grain elevator and began production in February.Moncrieff says the facility makes the pellets from clean, recycled wood.He’s keen to eventually add pellets made out of energy crops such as miscanthus and switchgrass.The facility currently employs seven people and the contract will require 15 new hires as well as the addition of another pellet machine, he says. “We have to start delivering 1,200 tonnes of pellets by July 15 bulk in shipping containers and, by October 1, 4,000 tonnes per month.” BF Laval prof challenges former MP's supply management report Kitchener dairy farm among finalists for sustainability prize
New CEO for Livestock Research Innovation Corporation Friday, September 13, 2024 Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) is promoting from within with the appointment of the organization’s newest Chief Executive Officer. Industry Services Manager Kelly Somerville has been tapped to assume the role as of September 3, replacing retiring CEO Mike McMorris.... Read this article online
Milwaukee Extended Anvil High Torque Impact Wrench Thursday, September 12, 2024 Measuring torque is a common on-farm task it can sometimes be a challenge to accomplish this for multiple and varied pieces of equipment, that where Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL™ 1" D-Handle Ext. Anvil High Torque Impact Wrench w/ ONE-KEY™ can provide value. Cordless tools create convenience,... Read this article online
Ontario and Feds look to strengthen the provincial agri-food sector Monday, September 9, 2024 The governments of Canada and Ontario have announced they will be investing an additional $3.5 million in the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) to support the development and adoption of new technologies for farmers, food processors, and agribusinesses that will enhance... Read this article online
The Great Ontario Yield Tour predicts a record-breaking soybean crop Friday, September 6, 2024 The Great Ontario Yield Tour is predicting the 2024 Ontario soybean yield will be 54.12 bu/ac—a NEW RECORD high surpassing the previous record of 53 bu/ac set last year. If the prediction is correct, it will be the best soybean crop ever produced in Ontario!... Read this article online
IPM needs volunteers Thursday, September 5, 2024 The International Plowing Match & Rural Expo 2024 (IPM) could use a helping hand for volunteers. The IPM is being held this year in Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, between October 1 and 5, 2024. While we are aware that the majority of the popular event is being held during... Read this article online