For immediate release: 15 May2006

ANAEROBIC DIGESTERS GOOD FOR ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT
McGuinty Government On The Side of Families In Rural Ontario

ALFRED - The McGuinty government is supporting anaerobic digesters for two local farms for the benefit of the environment, education, electricity generation and the local economy, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky announced today.

"The McGuinty government is supporting research and innovation for Ontario's farmers," said Dombrowsky. "We are on the side of families in rural Ontario who want a strong agriculture industry. That is why we are investing in new technologies that will maximize farm efficiencies and help meet their energy needs."

The McGuinty government is investing $292,500 to help Université de Guelph - Campus d'Alfred and its partners, Terryland Farms Inc. and Pinehedge Farms Inc. construct two anaerobic digesters that will convert biogas from manure into heat and electricity.

"As MPP, I have supported this important project not only because it will provide great learning opportunities for students at Campus d'Alfred, but it will help provide a solution to some nutrient management challenges, and allow the farms to conserve energy," said Jean-Marc Lalonde, MPP for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell.

Campus d'Alfred has recently introduced the subject of anaerobic digestion to its curriculum as part of the Agricultural Technician and Environmental Management diploma.

"This is an innovative project that benefits many people in our community," said Marcel Couture, director of Campus d'Alfred. "We are pleased that the college will be able to provide students with unique opportunities by using the digesters for research and teaching purposes."

Other McGuinty government initiatives for rural families include:

• Helping farmers by providing $800 million over the past three years for farm income stabilization and support programs, including $125 million to help grain and oilseed farmers, horticulture farmers and livestock industry.
• Investing over $19 million in rural communities through the Rural Economic Development Program.
• Recognizing the unique needs of rural schools with $230 million for school repairs, library books and transition programs.

Today's investment was made through the Rural Economic Development (RED) program, which invests in projects that support sustainable rural economies and community partnerships - a key part of the government's plan for rural Ontario.

Through the RED program, the Ontario government and its rural partners are building stronger communities that work better for the people who live in them. For more information about RED or Ontario's rural plan, visit www.omafra.gov.on.ca.

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Contacts:
Christopher Flavelle
Minister's Office
416-326-3072

Brian Cardy
Rural Investments Branch
519-826-3787