OFA: Give Farmers More Power

There is some interesting statistics and information about hydro rates in Ontario in an article from Don McCabe, V.P. Ontario Federation of Agriculture. It also outlines some of the programs OFA have fought hard to maintain for the benefit of Ontario farmers.

For you producers outside Ontario - it may be interesting to compare.

See: www.farms.com/FarmsPages/Commentary/DetailCommentary/tabid/192/Default.aspx?NewsId=34511

So long for now,
Julie Harlow

Research results - not just for libraries anymore

I've often asked myself: what happens to the results of research? I've imagined that much of it ends up in storage somewhere never to be applied, valued or seen again.

I have new hope since researching today's blog (previously on solar projects in ON and now on research search engines). I found a site that presented research, articles, and other information documents on a broad range of topics.

Try it out at www.highbeam.com/help/membersOptions.hbr

This is a fee for service site, so I am still on the lookout for a similar free site.

So long for now,
Julie Harlow

Let's all have a FIT or should we?

I was reading about Alberta and their plans to develop a Feed in Tariff system for renewable energy similar to that currently in place in Ontario. Talk about paradigm shift from a petroleum rich region. How will they justify an increase of 4-5 times current energy costs to taxpayers?

Some are saying that at least it is locked in, so that we will be able to depend on a constant price. So 4-5 times current costs for the next 20 years. Wait a minute...

For more see: www.edmontonjournal.com/technology/Wind+power+expert+urges+incentives+producers/3566426/story.html

So long for now,

Julie Harlow

Action and Reaction

I am having trouble committing to blogging. I've been at it for almost 9 months with very little response. I know my marketing plan is seriously lacking, so in many ways, I'm not surprised at the response. Frequency has also been a challenge. Last but not least I'm targeting producers with an energy conservation/renewable energy focus that read blogs (does that sound like you?). But still the experts have told me "if you blog they will come." So experts I'm going to test your theory.

I hope to appeal to Canadian producers and those who support them. I'll present information, analysis and perspective on conservation and renewable energy - five days per week. My goals are information and experience sharing and network building.

Do you have information on conservation and renewable energy that is of value to others? Please share.

So long for now,

Julie Harlow

P.S. Looking for links on renewable energy research? Try http://www.biobasednews.come/

Sharing about Conservation

I recieved a comment from a producer about sharing conservation information. I found his comments in-line with a theory I have - that producers want to share information to keep moving forward with energy conservation.

This producer commented on an article posted by the Canadian Farm Business Management Council on their website. See www.farmcentre.com/Features/ScienceInnovation/ to read more.

So long for now,
Julie Harlow