Dalton and Dave have soybeans on their minds

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

************************* Orazietti announces $13,750 to support new agriculture opportunities for Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma

McGuinty government invests in oil seed and fibre crop research

SAULT STE. MARIE - The McGuinty government is investing $13,750 to support a study on the potential for an oil seed and fibre crop industry in Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma, David Orazietti, MPP and Mike Brown, MPP announced today.

“This is part of our government’s continuing commitment to diversify the economy of Sault Ste. Marie and Northern Ontario to position the region to take advantage of new opportunities,” said Orazietti. “This study could help develop a new agricultural industry with local economic benefits including manufacturing jobs.”

The McGuinty government is supporting a study led by the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation (EDC) which will look at developing oil seed crops such as canola and soybeans in the region.

It will also examine the possibility of growing fibre crops such as industrial hemp varieties, which can be used in the production of paper or textiles.

If the study results are positive, as many as 15 new jobs could be created in the region to operate an oil seed crushing facility to produce biodiesel fuel and to process fibre.

“This project could help strengthen and diversify farming activities in the region and ensure their long-term growth and sustainability,” said Mike Brown, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin.

Oil seed crops are grown primarily for the oil contained in the seeds.

The major oil seeds grown in Canada are soybeans, sunflowers, canola and flax.

The 2006 census reported a total of 2,479 farms in Northern Ontario, including 335 in the District of Algoma.

Hay is, by far, Algoma’s major field crop, followed by barley and oats.

“By investing in this study, we are helping make a better-informed decision on the economic feasibility of launching new cash crops in the Algoma region,” said Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).

Learn more

To read the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, click here.

Learn about the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation at this website.

Learn more about the NOHFC’s six programs. *************************