Renewable energy at the Outdoor Farm Show

If you are interested in learning more about anaerobic digestion and how it may fit into your operation, I would suggest a visit to the Canadian Outdoor Farm Show running from Sept 14-16 just outside Woodstock.

This year many parts of the industry have collaborated to demonstrate the potential fit to Ontario agriculture.

I'm also attending to hear some perspective on our solar industry due to the proposed changes to the feed in tariff system as well as wind due to rising community concerns when projects occur locally. Another thing that is on my radar is the potential outcomes of biomass research currently underway...

For more info on the show go to http://www.outdoorfarmshow.com/

So long for now,
Julie Harlow

Exciting Energy Research and Analysis on Biomass

A pet peeve of mine is the value lost when project funding ends. So I was keen to see an organization working hard to expand on the value created by doing research projects through a series of information sessions highlighting biomass research called the Research 2 Receptor Series. Presenting organizations included Ontario Power Generation, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, University of Guelph, The George Morris Centre and several others. It was well attended with reps from organizations that can contribute to the successful evolution of biomass as an energy source and a business opportunity in Ontario.

It is not without it's challenges including:

• agronomics
• logistics
• policy and regulations
• pricing mechanisms
• competitive land uses (i.e. food production)
• existing energy generation infrastructure and more

It sounds overwhelming, but I was pleasantly surprise at the positive attitude and approach, stay tuned for more and perhaps you would like to contribute your ideas on biomass...