Top Crop Manager

Features Bioenergy Biomass
Reducing cornstalk supply chain cost projections

September 3, 2015 - The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and La Coop fédérée (LCF) have been working jointly to model supply chain costs for future bioprocessing projects in Ontario and Quebec.

Previous studies confirmed ample crop residue supply, however cost projections based on published literature available at that time were high. The results from this new study are based on two years of work with various value chain players, including farmers.

Efficiencies have been identified at every step of the supply chain, from field to final delivery of feedstock for bioprocessing. To validate the study results, over 240 acres of corn stover were harvested and baled by farmers using the latest technologies and methods. Cost-savings resulting from various technologies to convert second generation cellulosic feedstock have also been measured.

The study provides for a budget-based approach setting benchmarks for future operators involved in aggregating and delivering biomass. Bioprocessors now have a starting point to de-risk projects.

Through collaboration with value chain partners, a robust supply chain logistics model has been developed. Data from on-the-ground projects and testing of various parameters provides greater reliability of farmers’ ability to supply feedstock to bioprocessors at the necessary scale, and for a competitive price.

This project is funded in part through Growing Forward 2, AgriInnovation Program, delivered through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Funding was secured through coordination provided by the Bioindustrial Innovation Canada as part of the national BioProducts AgSci Cluster.

September 3, 2015  By Top Crop Manager


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