Peace Country canola farmers can expect an increased demand for their crops after the federal government's announcement of new regulations requiring the use of biofuels.
Canola is considered the most efficient source of biofuels, a low-pollutant alternative to diesel or petroleum. To put Canada in a better international standing in regards to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the government will require all diesel fuel sold to have a 2% biofuel component as of July 1.
The regulation for diesel fuel follows a federal ruling that took effect last December, requiring all gas sold in Canada to have a 5% ethanol component. Like biofuel, ethanol is an alternative to oil.
Gordon Quaiattini, president of the Canadian Renewable Fuel Association in Ottawa, predicts that the 2% inclusion of biofuel, along with the ethanol regulation, will save the environment 4.2 million tonnes of GHG emissions each year.
Each litre of biofuel used in an engine produces far fewer pollutants that contribute to the greenhouse effect, such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane.
Biofuel can be produced from farm products, such as beef fat (tallow) and low-grade canola that would otherwise have little value as food.
Canola is decreased in quality by spoiling in storage bins, when crops produce too much heat, and frost.
Growing canola for biofuel is also easier on the environment in the production process, as the amount of pollutants emitted during the extraction of petroleum is far greater.
Beef tallow and recycled vegetable oils are the most accessible source of biofuel in Ontario and Quebec, while canola is the Peace Country's main contribution, producing a blend of biofuel with superior performance in cold conditions.
But with the upcoming regulations the canola industry will be forced to adapt to new demands.
Quaiattini expects another 600 million litres of biofuel to be needed annually to meet the needs of the new diesel regulation. He admits that Canada currently only has the means to supply one-third of this upcoming demand.
The upcoming biofuel requirement and last December's ethanol regulations will bring Canada closer to a target the government set to reduce the total GHG emissions, according to 2005 levels, by 17% in time for 2020.
