FarmingBiogas.ca is a new go-to resource for farmers interested in learning more about agricultural biogas. Developed by the Canadian Biogas Association (CBA), the website is part of an educational campaign to help farmers explore biogas production as an opportunity for their farm.
“We field a lot of questions from farmers who want to know more about the feasibility of adding a biogas plant to their operation. Our goal with this campaign is to make farm-specific information more accessible,” says Jennifer Green, Executive Director of the CBA. “We’re here to help connect farms with the resources and expertise they need to get started with biogas.”
On-farm biogas systems use anaerobic digestion to recycle manure and crop residue. This process produces biogas, which leads to both environmental and business advantages for a farm operation. Converting manure and other feedstock into renewable energy enhances a farm’s environmental stewardship and diversifies its sources of income.
Biogas plants are complex installations that require considerable research. At FarmingBiogas.ca, farmers will find many resources to help them evaluate the opportunity – from a self-assessment tool and a getting started checklist, to a Q&A and links to guides and handbooks that dive deeper into the subject. Technology vendors and advisors are listed on the site as well as profiles of some on-farm biogas plants from across the country.
Currently, Canada has over 60 operational anaerobic digesters in the agriculture and agri-food sector with more either planned or under construction. Livestock operations account for more than half of all biogas projects in Canada.
“Livestock farms are especially ideal for biogas systems,” says Green, who explains that adopting innovative technologies to manage manure results in many advantages. Capturing and using methane through anaerobic digestion can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from manure systems, mitigating the impacts of climate change. It also improves a farm’s financial picture through reduced input costs and energy sales.
“The majority of today’s ag biogas facilities generate electricity for sale to the grid or for use on farm,” says Green. Some facilities upgrade their biogas into renewable natural gas (RNG) for injection into natural gas pipelines, which is poised to bring the next wave of opportunity for biogas producers.
About the Canadian Biogas Association
The CBA is the collective voice of the Canadian biogas industry. Since 2008 membership has grown to over 100, including farmers, municipalities, technology developers, consultants, finance and insurance firms, and other affiliate representatives – all with a focus on building the biogas sector in Canada.
This initiative was funded in part through the Agricultural Clean Technology Program administered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, FortisBC and by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia under Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
