A pilot program for canola-based biodiesel production is being launched this fall.

Prairie farmers will soon have access to hands-on training in canola-based biodiesel production courtesy of the Canadian International Grains Institute. The Winnipeg based organization received $45,000 in funding from the Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council to launch the pilot project. The program will help growers across the country extract maximum value from their oilseed crop by identifying requirements for the emerging bio-diesel market. The program will likely be 2 days in length, and cover all aspects of bio-diesel from chemistry to performance to production. Equipment is still being sourced, but courses will be offered later this year after harvest.