Program Funding for Phase 1 Projects is Fully Allocated

The response to the program has been excellent! Agriculture and Food industries are keen innovators to produce renewable energy and increase revenues. An additional $2.2M was added to the initial $9M program fund. This created $11.2M to stimulate the development of biogas systems on farms and at food processing businesses. The deadline to apply for Phase 1 projects was 30 September 2008, or until available funds were fully allocated. Funds for Phase 1 feasibility study projects have now been fully allocated. There are still funds available for Phase 2 applications to build biogas systems.

In order to maximize the number of biogas systems constructed through the program, preference is now given for all remaining funds to be directed towards to Phase 2 capital construction projects. New Phase 1 projects may be funded if additional program money is obtained.

You will be notified of your funding status if you have submitted a Phase 1 funding application.

There are other sources of funding for biogas system feasibility studies. Funding is available under the Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program to eligible producers for manure treatment projects including engineering design work and anaerobic digester systems. This program is administered through the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA). Further information is available on there web site www.ontariosoilcrop.org or by contacting your local OSCIA program representative.

The Ministry intends to further support the growing agri-food biogas industry through

• training
• technology studies
• organization development
• biogas system production data for informed investment decision making

We appreciate your commitment in developing the growing biogas sector and your interest in Ontario’s broader climate change and clean air initiative. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your biogas project analyst, in the Rural Community Development Branch of the Ministry at 1-888-588-4111 or by email at biogas.program@ontario.ca.