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April 16, 2003
AGRICULTURE STRATEGY ON ETHANOL RELEASED BY WOWCHUK
Paper to Encourage Public and Industry Input
Agriculture and Food Minister Rosann Wowchuk today released an information update on creating economic opportunities in agriculture as identified in the Manitoba Ethanol Advisory Panel Report.
"Manitoba's emerging ethanol potential represents a significant value-added opportunity for grain growers and livestock producers," said Wowchuk. "In addition, studies have shown that over 70 per cent of the revenue of an ethanol plant are spent within 150 kilometres of the plant site, clearly demonstrating the economic benefits to the entire community are substantial."
The agriculture ethanol strategy will focus on the three key areas:
- feedstock and co-product development;
- economic assessment, market development and promotion of Manitoba's on-farm advantages;
and
- building of technical knowledge and awareness to develop the province's ethanol potential.
The Manitoba Ethanol Advisory Panel Report, released on Dec. 11, 2002, contained 32 recommendations of which 12 relate specifically to agriculture.
These include support for research on higher yielding, fusarium resistant wheat varieties to meet anticipated ethanol production demands, development of fibre based ethanol production, developing a strategy to use wheat distillers' grain domestically and working co-operatively with rural communities.
The recommendations also include development of co-products for food and non-food uses and working with rural communities in researching and promoting the use of distillers grains, a valuable, high protein livestock feed byproduct, by local livestock producers.
"We look forward to feedback on our strategy and the building of partnerships with the agriculture sector to secure Manitoba's position in this industry," said Wowchuk. "The development of a sound agriculture ethanol strategy is a key component of Manitoba's overall development of a strong, sustainable ethanol industry."
More information on the Agriculture Ethanol Strategy is available at the Web site at http://www.manitobaenergy.com, by e-mail at ethanol.gov.mb.ca, or by phoning the Manitoba Ethanol Office in Winnipeg at 945-EGAS (3427) or toll free at 1-800-282-8069, ext. EGAS (3427),
MANITOBA MOVES ON ETHANOL INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT
Province Acts on All Ethanol Advisory Panel Recommendations
Energy, Science and Technology Minister Tim Sale and Agriculture and Food Minister Rosann Wowchuk today announced that the province has accepted all 32 recommendations of the Ethanol Advisory Panel to help develop the ethanol industry in Manitoba.
"Manitoba is pleased to accept all of the Ethanol Advisory Panel's recommendations," said Sale. "The report makes it clear that the development of a provincial ethanol industry will provide an important economic development alternative for agricultural producers and local communities."
"The panel's report shows that Manitoba is well positioned to become an industry leader in the production of ethanol," said Wowchuk. "Today, we are outlining how we intend to support agricultural producers, the private sector and the citizens of Manitoba to take advantage of this emerging economic opportunity."
There are 32 wide ranging recommendations in the comprehensive report submitted by the Manitoba Ethanol Advisory Panel in December 2002. (See the overview of the Ethanol Advisory Council. You will require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.)
The six key recommendations are:
- to mandate the use of 10 per cent ethanol blends by as early as 2005
- to provide incentive levels competitive with other jurisdictions
- to research and develop feedstock and co-products
- to establish an ethanol office to co-ordinate development of the ethanol industry and local economic opportunities
- to promote Manitoba ownership
- to promote public awareness and education on the environmental benefits of increased ethanol use.
Legislation will be introduced in the upcoming session to mandate 10 per cent ethanol blends by 2005.
Support will be available to ethanol manufacturers, beginning in 2005, for ethanol produced and consumed in Manitoba. Support levels will be equivalent to 20 cents per litre of pure ethanol for two years, 15 cents per litre for three years and 10 cents per litre for three years. Support will only be available to ethanol producers who demonstrate local ownership and community involvement.
Sale noted that ethanol has been identified by Manitoba as one of the province's two biggest priorities in current climate change negotiations with the federal government.
A working group has been set up with the Government of Saskatchewan to pool research dollars and share information on the development of feedstock and co-products. More details on Manitoba Agriculture and Food's Ag-Ethanol Strategy are available at http://www.manitobaenergy.com.
The provincial Ethanol Office to co-ordinate the growth of the industry and encourage the development of locally owned and operated ethanol plants was launched on Jan. 14 by Wowchuk.
The province will undertake education and awareness campaigns to promote the environmental benefits of increased ethanol fuel use to Manitobans.
For more information contact the Manitoba Ethanol Office at 945-EGAS, toll free 1-800-282-8069 (ext. EGAS), e-mail ethanol@gov.mb.ca or on the Web site:http://www.manitobaenergy.com.
See the overview of the Ethanol Advisory Council. You will require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
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