For immediate release
November 22, 2001

ONTARIO INVESTS IN EXPLORING
NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR FARMS

THAMESFORD – Ontario is investing $222,005 in evaluating and reporting on technologies to help livestock producers better manage manure, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Minister Brian Coburn announced today.

“This Healthy Futures for Ontario Agriculture project will go a long way toward protecting the environment in rural Ontario,”  Coburn said.  “This project is doubly focused on the future because it encourages innovation on the farm.”

The project will provide an independent review of a variety of innovative manure treatment technologies that protect surface and groundwater; improve air quality; increase the value of manure as a nutrient by-product or energy source; and reduce the amount of land needed for manure spreading adjacent to livestock facilities.

Once the technologies are evaluated, an interactive, electronic report will be made available on the Internet to all livestock producers, to help them determine the system that will work best for their operations.  The report will outline the steps required to implement the different technologies based on a number of criteria including size of operation, capital and operating costs, the level of management expertise needed, environmental requirements, and the impact on existing farm operations. Opportunities for pilot projects will also be identified to show farmers how the technologies work .

Cold Springs Farm Ltd, Ontario Pork, Premium Pork, the Ontario Pork Industry Council, the Poultry Industry Council and Selves Farms will provide the other $130,145 toward the $352,150 total project cost.

“Cold Springs Farm is pleased to be working with our other partners on this project” said John Alderman, Vice President, Farming Operations for Cold Springs Farm. “One of our core values as is stewardship, and participation in this project will assist us in evaluating new technologies and fulfilling our commitment to be responsible, caring neighbours in all the communities in which we operate.”

The $90-million Healthy Futures for Ontario Agriculture program is focused on enhancing the safety and quality of Ontario food products, capitalizing on marketing and export opportunities, improving rural water quality and making efficient use of water resources.  Information about the program can be obtained by phoning 1-888-588-4111 or by visiting the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ web site at www.gov.on.ca/omafra .