The Farms and Fuels Alliance (FFA) today (Aug 13) applauded the Ontario government's decision to introduce Canadian content requirements to ethanol, a critical move that will strengthen the province's agricultural sector, secure thousands of Ontario jobs, and ensure a continued sustainable environmental future due to Canada's homegrown biofuel industry.
"We're pleased that Ontario has recognized the vital role of domestic biofuel producers by including Canadian ethanol in the final regulation," said Andrea Kent, Vice-President, Industry and Government Affairs for Greenfield Global. "As Canada's ethanol production hub, Ontario generates 70% of the national supply, making this decision critical for our clean energy future and economic resilience. This regulation demonstrates the government's commitment to practical, local solutions that protect our renewable fuel capacity and strengthen rural Ontario communities."
"This is great news for grain farmers. This season has a lot of uncertainty with weather issues including drought and volatile trade issues and this commitment by our provincial government provides a welcome and needed stability for this vital market for Ontario grains," said Jeff Harrison, Chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario.
Beyond ethanol's proven environmental benefits, Canadian content requirements for ethanol are expected to:
- Protect Canadian Jobs: Safeguard thousands of jobs across the entire value chain, from grain farmers supplying feedstock to production facility workers. The Canadian biofuels industry drives over $3 billion in annual economic activity while supporting rural employment.
- Stabilize Agricultural Markets: Create reliable, long-term demand for Ontario grain farmers, delivering the market certainty needed for sustainable farm operations and community prosperity.
- Revitalize Rural Communities: Fuel economic growth in rural Ontario, where ethanol facilities serve as anchor employers and major contributors to local economic vitality.
- Strengthen Energy Independence: Secure Canada's renewable fuel supply through domestic production.
The FFA was formed by Alco Energy Canada, Greenfield Global and Grain Farmers of Ontario last year, and remains committed to ongoing collaboration with governments at all levels to advance and modernize Canada's renewable fuels policies, highlight the economic advantages that domestic production brings to rural communities, and support the long-term sustainability of Canada's growing biofuels sector for generations to come.
About the Farms and Fuels Alliance
The Farms and Fuels Alliance (FFA) unites Canada's ethanol producers and grain farmers to drive economic growth and rural revitalization. Focused on smart policy development that recognizes Canadian innovation, FFA is dedicated to unleashing the full potential of our nation's homegrown biofuels for the sake of our farms, our fuels, and our future.
Contacts
Caroline Harvey, INK Communications Co.,
caroline@INK-co.com
Victoria Berry, Grain Farmers of Ontario,
vberry@gfo.ca
