Feedstock
Elgin County is home to an abundance of oilseed farmers. Just under half of the total farms in the County grow oilseeds that can be used for the production of Biofuels. 483 farms in Elgin County are involved in livestock production, which is a key component of the anaerobic digestion process. Making energy from waste will add a needed income source for lagging commodity prices.
Elgin | Ontario | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Total Farms | 1489 | 100% | 57211 | 100% |
Oilseed and grain farming | 650 | 43.7 | 13056 | 22.8 |
Cattle ranching and farming | 197 | 13.2 | 15989 | 27.9 |
Other animal production | 173 | 11.6 | 7573 | 13.2 |
Other crop farming | 158 | 10.6 | 8823 | 15.4 |
Vegetable and melon farming | 99 | 6.6 | 1769 | 3.1 |
Greenhouse, nursary and floriculture | 52 | 3.5 | 2822 | 4.9 |
Hog and pig farming | 49 | 3.3 | 2222 | 3.9 |
Fruit and tree-nut farming | 47 | 3.2 | 1892 | 3.3 |
Poultry and egg production | 41 | 2.8 | 17000 | 3 |
Sheep and goat farming | 23 | 1.5 | 1365 | 2.4 |
Source: 2006 Census of Agriculture and Strategic Policy Branch OMAFRA
Crop residues such as corn stover and wheat straw add different alternatives to farmers in Elgin County that can be used to produce biofuels.
The restaurant industry uses cooking oils to cook their food, and with easy access to these oils, biodiesel operations can flourish in Elgin County.
Biomass crops such as Miscanthus and Switchgrass are emerging as another potential candidate for replacing coal by 2014. Research trials in Elgin County are studying the agronomy and feasibility of the project.
Anaerobic digestion is another way that area farmers can use their waste to produce fuel on their farms. They can use manure and animal fats the produce heat or hydro to keep operating costs down.
Success Stories
IGPC Ethanol Inc.
Established in 2007, IGPC Ethanol Inc. contributes significantly to the Renewable Fuels Industry and Ontario’s agricultural sector. By producing 200 million litres of denatured fuel grade ethanol and 170,000 tonnes of distillers’ grains, IGPC Ethanol Inc., has become a leader in Southwestern Ontario’s business community by creating environmentally sustainable economic growth.