BIODIESEL DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE DELIVERS PROGRESS REPORT TO MINISTER

The group tasked by Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman with finding ways for Saskatchewan to take advantage of the growing market for biodiesel delivered a progress report today.

The Biodiesel Development Task Force says it is clear that the area of renewable fuels represents a huge opportunity for the province.

"Saskatchewan is a natural home for Canada's future biodiesel industry," Task Force Co-Chair Darin Egert said. "Oilseeds are an important ingredient in biodiesel production and we have half of the nation's canola acreage. However, we really need a national plan for renewable fuels to be put in place and we need it soon. There is a real chance that our competitors will grab this opportunity before we do."

Egert's Co-Chair Judie Dyck said the United States has already announced plans to produce 7.5 billion gallons of biofuel by 2012. The European Union has set a target for 5.75 per cent biofuel by 2010. Both have adopted national strategies and standards for the development of a renewable fuel industry – a lead Egert said Canada needs to follow.

"Renewable fuels provide a way for Canada to fight climate change, protect the environment and secure a long term solution for problems in the agriculture industry by helping our farmers become producers of energy as well as producers of food," Dyck said. "We can't afford to let this opportunity slip by."

In the absence of a national strategy and standards for renewable fuel, the Task Force has focused its work on research. The group has commissioned a provincial cost-benefit analysis of biodiesel production to help establish the best way to grow the industry and has consulted with industry stakeholders on next steps. The group expects to put forward a series of recommendations to government by spring 2006.

"I look forward to the final recommendations of the Task Force," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said. "Biodiesel production is just one of many ways that Saskatchewan can capitalize on its natural advantages. Renewable fuel production has the potential to transform our agriculture industry."

Wartman said he will discuss a national renewable fuel development strategy and standards with Ottawa immediately following the federal election.

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For More Information, Contact:

Judie Dyck Biodiesel Development Task Force Saskatoon Phone: (306) 221- 6954