Biodiesel task force requests joint government effort

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REGINA, Sask. — In its final report, the Biodiesel Development Task Force urged the Saskatchewan government to work in conjunction with the federal government to advance the province’s biodiesel industry.

The task force consulted with key stakeholders to examine the current status, challenges and opportunities of Saskatchewan’s biodiesel industry.

“It has been challenging to develop recommendations and direction for an industry still very much in its infancy,” stated Judie Dyck, co-chair of the Biodiesel Development Task Force. “Both the provincial and federal governments will need to be involved to develop a plan if Saskatchewan is to benefit from a biodiesel industry.”

As well as requesting a National Bio-Products Centre located in Saskatoon, the report’s recommendations ask the province to work with the Government of Canada to develop trade-compliant programs and policies for the biodiesel industry; fund research and testing on standards for performance-based specifications; establish a program to help companies meet biodiesel approved standards; and continue research and development, commercialization of new products and the expansion of the biodiesel industry.

“I met with federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Chuck Strahl in March
to request action on a national renewable fuels mandate, an initial recommendation of the task force,” said Mark Wartman, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “We continue to push for a renewable fuel standard and measures that encourage producer involvement in fuel manufacturing and the use of Western Canadian feed stocks.”

The Government of Saskatchewan has also promoted biodiesel in the Premier’s summer bus tour and in vehicles used to transport athletes at the Canada Summer Games.

“A window of opportunity exists for Saskatchewan to excel in the area of biofuels,” noted Wartman. “This report will provide the information necessary to advance the biodiesel side of the industry.”

The Biodiesel Development Task Force final report is available at www.agr.gov.sk.ca, or by calling the Saskatchewan Canola Growers Association at 1-800-690-5788.

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