For release: April 27, 2004

Province and Agri-Food Sector to Work on

Alternative Energy Generation

TORONTO - The Ontario government is acting on its commitment to build a strong, prosperous economy by studying alternative energy use in the agri-food sector.

"I've asked my Parliamentary Assistant, Carol Mitchell, to conduct a fact-finding mission with agriculture organizations, representatives of 'green' fuels industries, and alternative energy researchers," said Steve Peters, Minister of Agriculture and Food. "Ms. Mitchell will act as our liaison with the agriculture community to look at how agriculture can become part of the solution to the challenge of energy use."

The main goal of the project is to determine how farmers can become more involved in generating alternative energy from agriculture.

The parliamentary assistant will be meeting with agri-food and energy groups to look for ways to put knowledge and research about alternative energy toward new directions.

"We'll be looking at the feasibility of putting new developments in alternative energy to work on the farm," Mitchell said. "Ultimately, this will help both the farm sector and the province save energy and money."

Mitchell is a member of the Conservation Action Team formed by Energy Minister Duncan in January. The team, with nine Parliamentary Assistants, is engaging stakeholders from a variety of sectors across the province to seek out and promote the best in conservation ideas and practices.

Media Contact:
Mary Devorski
Minister's Office
416-326-3077
416-606-8303 (mobile)

Program Contact:
Ellen Klupfel
Policy and Programs Branch, OMAF
519-826-3195

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