Bioeconomy - Industrial Uses Research Theme (2008-2012)

|Theme News| |Research Themes Index||Research Programs||KTT Activities|

Overview

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the University of Guelph (UofG) signed a new and enhanced Partnership agreement on April 28, 2009 for research, laboratory services and veterinary clinical education.

Bioeconomy - Industrial Use Research Theme is one of seven themes that are funded by the Partnership. This theme encompasses the use of agriculturally-derived biomass to produce some type of bioproduct. The three major product categories considered are:

• biomaterials includes materials such as bioplastics, natural fibre composites, biobased blends and rigid components (such as panels, beams, tiles)
• bioenergy - energy feedstocks (such as ethanol, biodiesel, bio-oil, biogas) as well as the end products (e.g. electricity, thermal energy)
• biochemicals - industrial chemicals (such as cleaners, lubricants), intermediate biochemicals (e.g. ethylene), chemical inputs and or feedstocks for production of other products (such as phenols) or biotech products where at least part of the product is a biological organism or component (such as molecular probes). Biopharmaceuticals and cosmetics are included but functional foods and nutraceuticals are considered by the Food for Health Research Theme.

Theme News

The most recent items are listed first. Check the research news archive for older news items.

April 2011

Launch of new Research Management System (RMS)- OMAFRA is now using an e-grant system for managing Ministry-funded research programs.

January 2011

Agri-Food and Rural Link KTT Funding Program (OMAFRA-University of Guelph partnership)

List of successful KTT Projects from the Fall Call 2010 - 11 projects were funded for a total of $635,000.

November 2010

Harnessing natures medicine - 2010 Agri-Food Yearbook - This second edition of the OMAFRA-UofG Partnership, Agri-Food yearbook focuses on sustainability from an economic, social and environmental view point.

Research Programs Related to this Theme

Bioeconomy - Industrial Uses' (2008-2012) research encompasses biofuels, biomaterials (such as fibres and biochemicals) and biochemicals. This program has funding opportunities (with University of Guelph Principal Researcher). Summaries of funded projects can be searched through the University website.

• Bioproducts Programs' (2005-2008) purpose was to facilitate the transition to a more sustainable economy by replacing petroleum-based resources with renewable plant-based resources. Petroleum-based products are limited in availability and are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. The program was funded through the previous OMAFRA-University of Guelph Agreement 2003-2008 and is no longer accepting proposals. Summaries of funded projects are available.
• Alternative Renewable Fuels Plus Research and Development Fund (2004-2007) explores new markets and uses for bioproducts, alternative renewable fuels and their coproducts. Calls for letters of intent are now issued jointly with the New Directions Research Program. Summaries of funded projects are avalilable.
• Life Sciences and Agri-food Innovation Fund (2006-2009) promoted and accelerated the pre-commercialization development of new products and services in the Agri-food and related Life Science sectors in Ontario. The program provided funding for projects that clarified or enhanced the commercial value of existing intellectual property and made it more attractive to potential investors. This program is closed to further funding but has summaries of funded projects.
• New Directions (2001-ongoing) funds research which creates new and alternative products and technologies helping the agri-food industry expand into new markets at home and abroad. Industry,rural communities and organizations, other levels of government and research institutions partner with academia in this research program. Calls for Letters of Intent are issued annually. There are funding opportunities as well as summaries of funded projects with this program.

Research Priorities for this Theme

An expert panel met during the summer of 2008 to determine the long term, strategic priorities for the Bioeconomy - Industrial Uses Research Theme.

Knowledge Transfer and Translation Activities

Accelerating the transformation of knowledge into use – that is Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT). KTT is a new emphasis in the partnership between OMAFRA and the University of Guelph.

KTT is the synthesis, exchange and application of knowledge resulting from interactions among university researchers, OMAFRA, stakeholders of OFMAFRA and the University of Guelph and the public.

A team of OMAFRA and University of Guelph staff are working to increase the practical application of knowledge created from research.

The Other Research Themes funded through the Partnership

• Agricultural and Rural Policy
• Emergency Management
• Environmental Sustainability
• Food for Health
• Product Development and Enhancement Through Value Chains
• Production Systems

Contacts:

Regarding Programs:

Rajib Hazarika toll free at 1-888-466-2372 ex. 64090 or locally at 519-826-4090.

Regarding Knowledge Translation and Transfer:

Elin Gwyn toll free at 1-888-466-2372 ex. 6-6120 or locally at 519-826-6120