Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau announced more than $4.5 million in funding for five new projects to improve waste management and advance on-farm sustainability bioplastics research.
Cleanfarms will receive up to $1.1 million through the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program to develop a strategy to responsibly manage the 60,000 tonnes of plastic waste generated on Canadian farms every year. The project aims to increase availability of recycling programs to farmers and deliver long-term programs that will help improve the sustainability of Canadian farms.
EcoEnviro Labs Inc. will receive up to $1 million through Innovative Solutions Canada to advance testing of new organic bioplastic mulch. Made from poultry feathers, this mulch would be a lower-waste, fully biodegradable, and compostable option for the industry.
Titan Clean Energy Projects Corp. will also receive up to $1 million through Innovative Solutions Canada to test a food-grade bioplastic that biodegrades more quickly, resulting in less landfill and more sustainable options for grocery stores and shoppers. The bioplastic will be designed for fruit or prepared vegetable containers.
TerraVerdae Bioworks Inc. will receive up to $1 million through the Agricultural Clean Technology Program to develop a new biodegradable bioplastic film and injection molded products to replace petroleum-based agricultural plastics. Applications will include mulch film and seed trays.
Red Leaf Pulp Ltd. will receive the remaining $495,000 through the Agricultural Clean Technology Program to research and trial straw pulp biopolymer. The project aims to replace plastic and Styrofoam packaging in the wood and pulp industry, as well as in the production of low carbon fuels and renewable natural gas.
“Canada’s agricultural sector continues to develop innovative tools and approaches to ensure their operations are sustainable,” said Bibeau. “Today’s funding will support farmers looking for ways to better manage their plastic waste and help advance the necessary work to turn crop residues and other agricultural by-products into renewable energy. This is a win-win for our hardworking farmers, the environment, and Canada’s bioeconomy.”