Bioproducts Research Program

Research > Conduct Research > OMAFRA > Bioproducts Research Program > Major Issues Addressed

Research Needs

Bio-products are considered to be all substances including chemicals and fibers, produced from agricultural-based renewable resources. Examples of bio-products research needs include, but are not limited to;

Fibre

  • Raw material selection, harvesting, and storage of starch and lignocellulosic feedstocks specific to Ontario.
  • Pre-treatment methods of lignocellulosics for more economical conversions.
  • Investigation of alternative fiber crops such as hemp and other crops uniquely suited to Ontario.
  • Fiber applications and physical/mechanical properties required by Ontario automakers, or for export.

Chemicals

  • Improved catalysts and enzymes for a wide range of processing technologies. Easier substitution of carbohydrates in production of resins; production of ethylene from ethanol.
  • Expansion of germplasm expertise in Ontario crops for development of customized feedstocks. E.g. increased fermentability of corn for improved ethanol yields, increased starch yields; increased peroxidase levels in soybean hulls to replace formaldehyde precursor.
  • Fractionation of lutein from corn gluten, and phytosterols from corn oil.
  • Improved processing of soybeans for polyurethane foam.

Co-product generation

  •  Value-added proteins from wastewater sludge in rendering operations.
  • Alternate non-feed uses for bovine meat and bone meal. Validation of alternate disposal methods.

The most significant criterion will be the generation of benefits to the agricultural sector of Ontario. Research must demonstrate the economic &/or environmental value-added expected as a result of this research. Environmental and/or economic benefits expected to arise from the proposed research must be outlined. The research will be market-driven, addressing opportunities identified by the private sector in collaboration with researchers. Through research, this criterion is  intended to increase &/or retain capital investment in Ontario. The research will be an integral part of the value chain, and will help connect companies with the most appropriate researchers, and researchers with producers. By matching opportunities with products, platform technologies can be moved towards commercialization.

The research will also be sustainability – driven, addressing the need for ‘public good’ research where little or no direct commercial gain can be expected. Generation of value-added products from waste streams may be favored where environmental (and possibly economic) benefits are shown. Bringing marginal lands into production for higher value, bio-based feedstocks may be environmentally neutral, but economically valuable.

Clustering of research expertise with raw materials, processing facilities and markets is favored since it more effectively plugs the research into the value chain. Research to develop new co-products is valued since it can significantly affect the economic viability of the cluster. 

Market intelligence gathering is key to achievement of the program’s objective of providing competitive advantage for Ontario agriculture.  Determining net costs of new/replacement products or processes -- from quality and consistency of feedstock, and availability of conversion technologies, to processing and distribution costs – are essential to market success.  Research intelligence is also needed to avoid duplication and to build bridges to expertise and knowledge available elsewhere

Private sector partnerships are encouraged. A target of matching of OMAFRA funding 1:1 from other sources has been set for the Bioproducts program as a whole, however 1:1 matching funding is not mandatory on a project by project basis since this depends on the nature of the research proposed. Nevertheless demonstrated private sector commitment to the research as either cash or in-kind support is an important supporting factor.

To be successful, the science must be of the highest caliber and will be validated by peer reviews.

Proposals which leverage additional academic expertise and funds across research institutions may be favored.