The Manitoba Bio-products Strategy prepares the next step for government, industry and research institutions to work together to grow Manitoba into a world leader in the bio-products industry, Premier Greg Selinger announced.
“Manitoba is ideally positioned to capitalize on the emerging bio-products revolution and to secure a leading position in the new bio-economy,” said Selinger. “This strategy will identify opportunities and guide our efforts to further develop a vibrant bio-products industry that creates more green jobs and green products that add to the diversity of rural economies and help to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.”
Every year millions of tonnes of agricultural and forestry products are produced in Manitoba, creating a valuable supply of biomass for the production of biofuels, bio-materials and biochemicals, the premier said. Research and development in Manitoba is already turning hemp, flax and wheat byproducts into paper, insulation, roofing tiles, biodegradable food packaging and ultra-lightweight components for aerospace and transportation sectors.
There are more than 30 companies in Manitoba that currently produce bio-products. As a result of provincial investment, the growth of this industry is expected to create an additional 700 jobs in the coming decade, bringing the annual revenue generated by the industry to $2 billion by 2020, at least 80 per cent of which will be produced in rural Manitoba, Selinger said.
“In order to achieve this vision, the Government of Manitoba has committed $20 million in support for the bio-products industry over the next decade. For 2011, the province has more than $4 million in project funding available to research institutions and entrepreneurs working on developing innovative bio-products,” the premier added.
Today’s announcement was held at Erosion Control Blankets, an Interlake firm that manufactures erosion-suppression materials out of wheat straw. The Riverton-based company has seen demand for its products increase over the last decade. It is the largest employer in Riverton with approximately 35 employees and a $1-million payroll.
“Manitoba companies are taking advantage of the growing bio-product industry,” said Mark Myrowich, CEO of Erosion Control Blankets. “Over the past decade ErosionControlBlanket.com has developed a North America-wide erosion control business out of Riverton that utilizes the talents of rural Manitobans and our rich fibre resources.”
Selinger noted the Manitoba Bio-products Strategy meets the province’s green economic development objectives. “By establishing Manitoba as a leader in the bio-economy, we are positioning the province for a low-carbon future, producing alternatives to petroleum-based products and reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels,” he said.
The Manitoba Bio-products Strategy is available online.
