SASKATCHEWAN HOSTS CANADIAN BIOMASS INNOVATION NETWORK MEETING

The Province will host a national conference focused on opportunities in the new "green" economy this week in Saskatoon.

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food will co-sponsor a meeting of the Canadian Biomass Innovation Network (CBIN) on June 22nd and 23rd with Natural Resources Canada and Industry Canada.

"Just as we are working with the federal government to host this conference, we will be working jointly with government and industry to identify and act upon the many opportunities related to bioproducts," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said.

The CBIN was established in 2003 to provide national communication and co-ordination for applied research and development of bioenergy, biofuels, related industrial bioproducts and bioprocesses and greenhouse gas reduction.

The Saskatoon meeting will provide a venue for discussion of current bio-based research and development, as well as a networking opportunity for scientists, academics, government officials and entrepreneurs involved in biomass utilization and greenhouse gas reduction.

"It is fitting that we are hosting this conference here in Saskatoon, where many significant results in bio-related research and development have occurred," Wartman said. "I am proud to say that Saskatchewan has been, and will continue to be, a leader in this area."

The CBIN is a federal program funded by the Interdepartmental Program on Energy Research and Development and the Technology and Innovation component of Canada's Climate Change Plan.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture and Food Regina Cell: (306) 536-3851