Tuesday, Sep 12, 2006
B.C. minister believes biodiesel is biggest change in history of farming


VANCOUVER (CP) - With the high cost of oil on the world market, B.C. Agriculture Minister Pat Bell believes biodiesel is the answer for consistent fuel prices and flagging farmers' profits.
Biodiesel is a non-toxic, renewable fuel - essentially a vegetable oil that can be easily used in most diesel-fired trucks and cars.

Bell said Monday that opportunity is knocking for canola farmers in British Columbia.

"It would be a huge change for the farming industry," he said. "You can just imagine if you were no longer growing just for food.

"We think this could be the most significant change in agriculture, probably in the history of agriculture."

The ministry has called for a feasibility study for a biodiesel production facility in the Peace region that uses canola or other high-oil feedstock.

"We'd love to see a small-scale plant get up and running fairly quickly. We think that's where the real opportunity lies," said Bell.

Canola would be the prime product because it's about 40-per-cent oil by weight.

American farmers have already caught on, with several plants already running across the United States.

"It appears when oil goes over about US$60 a barrel, biodiesel becomes competitive with conventional petrochemical industries," Bell said.

"We think now that we're seeing that consistent mark over the US$60-a-barrel range, perhaps there is an opportunity for our canola growers to get into the business."


The U.S. government now requires by law that a small percentage of the nation's fuel supply come from renewable fuels, such as biodiesel.

Bell said the provincial government is lobbying the Canadian government to bring in similar legislation.

"There's a huge potential market for this. General Motors is now producing vehicles that can consume up to 85-per-cent biodiesel in their vehicles," he said.

All automobile manufacturers are very aware of the fuel changes needed in new vehicles, the minister said. "Certainly I think the industry is just wide open for expansion here in British Columbia."



© The Canadian Press, 2006

 

I'm sure they will tax it before you know it! The ink is probably drying on the tax bill right now!...
They are in the excited and promoting mode right now calling it the answer we have been looking for..... Then when you turn around to start making it commercially they are reaching for you wallet!
Government is predictable....
Oilguy

 

Think this guy is getting biodiesel and ethanol mixed up.

 

Gives ya a whole bunch of faith in government.

 

At least it's the Canadians this time.