News and Media

Mark your calendars - OMAF and MRA - UofG KTT Bioeconomy Seminar Series, June 5, 2013
5 June, 2013

Announcement: OMAF and MRA - UofG KTT Bioeconomy Seminar Series, June 5, 2013 taking place at Cutten Fields in Guelph. Please RSVP Rachel Campbell Murdy at rachelcm@uoguelph.ca by May 27. 

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne visits the BDDC on April 22, 2013
22 April, 2013

Plant Agriculture's Bioproducts Discovery & Development Centre (BDDC) was graced with a visit from Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, who also serves as agriculture minister. Premier Wynne and Minister of Education Liz Sandals, MPP for Guelph-Wellington, were greeted by Kevin Hall, U of G’s vice-president (research), and Rich Moccia, associate vice-president (research and strategic partnerships, as well as other faculty members of the Department of Plant Agriculture including BDDC director Amar Mohanty. Premier Wynne interacted with BDDC staff and students, showing a keen interest in research and activities taking place at the Centre. Further information can be found at the following links:

http://plantagnews.blogspot.ca/2013/04/ontario-premier-visits-bddc.html

http://atguelph.uoguelph.ca/2013/04/premier-on-campus-monday/

University of Guelph is Canada's No. #1 most inventive university according to survey by the Impact Group.
10 April, 2013
University of Guelph ranks No. 1 both in the number of inventions per faculty and in the number of inventions in proportion to research funding.

Guelph- The Front and Centre as Canada's Bio-Hub
9 April, 2013
Bioproducts Discovery & Development Centre (BDDC) and the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario (BIO) at UoG have made Guelph a Bio-Hub of Canada. For further details, click the following link and browse the publication "Perspective Guelph 2013 issue- page#6."

The Honourable Reza Moridi, Minister of Research and Innovation, visits the BDDC
3 April, 2013

The Minister of Research and Innovation, the Honourable Dr. Reza Moridi visited the Bioproducts Discovery & Development Centre (BDDC) on the morning of April 3, 2013, accompanied by Dr. Gord Surgeoner, President of Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, and Dr. Robert Gordon, Dean of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College. Dr. Surgeoner and Dr. Mohanty gave brief presentations of the history of the BDDC, showcasing a variety of bio-based products, from Bio-Bins to door panel linings, developed at the Centre. During a guided tour of the processing facility, Dr. Mohanty explained the uses of the research equipment and provided demonstrations of the materials processed by the Centre with the assistance of BDDC researchers. The Minister showed a keen interest in the facility and the ongoing research work at the BDDC, interacting with graduate students and staff.

For further details of honourable minister's visit to Univesrity of Guelph, please click the following link.

http://atguelph.uoguelph.ca/2013/04/minister-of-research-innovation-on-campus-today/

A group of Professors and faculties from various universities of Iraq visited BDDC:
1 April, 2013

Professors and Doctors from various universities of Iraq such as University of Mosul, University of Anbar, University of Tikrit and University of Baghdad visited Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre on 1 st April 2013. The group was given an intensive tour of BDDC by Dr. Misra and Prof. Mohanty and took very keen interest in different ongoing BDDC projects. They appreciated state of the art facilities at Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre and its achievement in the field of Biobased materials.

BDDC took part in College Royal 2013
18 March, 2013

The University of Guelph's Annual College Royal was held on the weekend of March 16th and 17th, 2013. The event attracted thousands of visitors for a campus-wide open house. BDDC members participated in the event, conducted tours of the facility and presented a display booth within the Plant Agriculture Department exhibit, where volunteers showcased BDDC activities to parents, prospective students and other visitors. Over 80 visitors visited the booth and interacted with the BDDC members.

Professor Amar K. Mohanty: Keynote speaker at ISGMA 2013, June 25 to 29, 2013 - Hawaii, USA.
7 March, 2013
Prof. Amar K. Mohanty will be a distinguished keynote speaker at the International Symposium on Green Manufacturing and Applications (ISGMA) 2013 between June 25 and June 29, 2013 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, Honolulu, Ohau, Hawaii, USA. For further details please click the following link:

HQP (Highly Qualified Personnel) from BDDC present at the Green Rural Opportunities Summit and Exhibition & Canadian Biogas Conference and Exhibition
5 March, 2013

Highly qualified personnel (HQP) from bioproduct discovery and development centre (BDDC), University of Guelph, shared some of the outcomes of their research activities with participants of the Green Rural Opportunities and Canadian Biogas Conference and Exhibition (http://www.gtmconference.ca/site/). The event took place on March 4-6, 2012, in London Convention Centre, London, Ontario, Canada, and people from different areas such as academia, industry and farming community got together to share their knowledge and expertise. HQPs from BDDC including Oscar Valerio, Tessa Horvath, Mathew Smyth, Andrew Anstey, Rajendran Muthuraj, Mathew Zaverl, Yin Li and Nima Zarrinbakhsh presented their posters and demonstration samples on March 4, at the booth of Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and Ministry of Rural Affairs.

Prof. Amar K. Mohanty: Keynote speaker at the 1st International Conference on Natural Fibers, June 9 to 11, 2013 in Guimarães (Portugal).
11 February, 2013
The University of Minho is organizing the 1st International Conference on Natural Fibers – Sustainable Materials for Advanced Applications, which will be held in Guimarães, Portugal, from June 9 to 11, 2013. Prof. Amar K. Mohanty will be a keynote speaker at the conference. For further details please click the following link:

Bioproducts Offer Greener Alternatives: Applications include car parts and building materials.
7 February, 2013
There has been significant development in finding greener alternatives in the bioproducts field at the University of Guelph. A University researcher, Nicole Pinto, draws out vimentin – a human intermediate filament protein – from bacteria, which she hopes could be used as the building blocks for future biodegradable textiles. For further details please see the following link:

Kenyan High commissioner, His Excellence Mr. Simon Nabukwesi, visited BDDC
21 November, 2012

Kenyan High Commissioner to Canada, H.E. Mr. Simon Nabukwesi, and First Counsellor, Mr. Mohamed Adan visited the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC) on Nov 21^st, 2012 to see the research taking place in Canada with respect to different agricultural crops. During the guided tour, the distinguished guests visited different parts of the Bioproducts Centre where Dr. Manjusri Misra informed them of the ongoing research work at the Centre.  

Prospective students showed keen interest in BDDC activities on Science & Engineering Day:
18 November, 2012

Prospective students showed keen interest in BDDC activities on Science & Engineering Day:

Prospective high school students and their families were invited for a full day program to experience science and engineering at the University of Guelph on Sunday, November 18, 2012 between 10:00 am to 1:00pm.
On this occasion, Bioproducts Discovery & Development Centre researchers and students displayed their work in the Crop Science and Bovey buildings as well as the engineering department. Numbers of prospective students and their parents visited these information stalls and asked many career related questions to current researchers.

The day was structured with prospective students’ interests in mind. Students and parents also had the opportunity to participate in a campus walking tour, lab and research facility tours, in addition to meeting with academic advisors, faculty members, students and representatives from Admission Services and Student Services.

Bioproducts Discovery & Development Centre Receives Federal Government Grant of $2 Million
16 November, 2012

November 16, 2012: The Federal Government annouced a $2 million grant to the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre today. The funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) will be used to purchase equipment and to expand the Centre. BDDC researchers turn plant materials into resins, polymers and tough fibres to make biobased plastics and bioproducts.

BDDC director Amar Mohanty, a professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture and School of Engineering and holder of the Premier’s Research Chair in Biomaterials and Transportation, called the funding a “certificate of achievement for what we are doing.”

The funding was announced in Guelph today by the Hon. Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Regional Minister for Southwestern Ontario, on behalf of the Hon. Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology).

Finley said the money will help “ensure that researchers have the tools they need to develop and assess new bio-based products that have tremendous commercial applications” and will help provide new jobs.

U of G president Alastair Summerlee added: “This is an investment in the future. It will allow us to expand and enhance the BDDC, where scientists from across the disciplines are working together on viable solutions to some of today’s most pressing problems. They are finding new uses for agricultural products, creating green alternatives and making Canada a world leader in the field.”

The Centre opened in October 2008. Researchers study ways to use soy, wheat, corn and other crops to make everything from car parts and furniture to fuel. They also investigate new crops for use in composite materials. They hope planted-based materials will help reduce our dependency on petroleum-based products.

Dr. Rob Gordon, dean of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College, said the BDDC supports an important and evolving role for agriculture. “It’s a catalyst for innovative green products that will ultimately enhance the value of Ontario’s agriculture sector. It also provides a training environment that will help to further position Ontario as a global leader in bioproducts.”

The BDDC is directed by Amar Mohanty, a professor in U of G’s Department of Plant Agriculture and School of Engineering and holder of the Premier’s Research Chair in Biomaterials and Transportation.

“Bioproducts are the wave of the future,” Mohanty said. “We sincerely thank FedDev Ontario for this timely contribution that will accelerate the creation of innovative green biomaterials-based solutions to create a sustainable competitive advantage for businesses in our province and beyond in the fast-growing bioeconomy.”

Created in 2009 under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, FedDev Ontario is intended to help businesses and communities in Southern Ontario to compete globally.

OMAFRA - UofG KTT Bioeconomy Seminar
4 October, 2012

 

BDDC-OMAFRA-KTT-UofG Bioeconomy Seminar – 04 October 2012

Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC) has organized a bioeconomy seminar as part of BDDC-OMAFRA-KTT-UofG program on October 4^th, 2012 at OVC Lifetime Learning Centre, University of Guelph. Three world renowned speakers have given lectures on the key area of sustainable bioeconomy, challenges in marketing bioplastics, and sustainability of agriculture in Canada.

The seminar was hosted by Prof. Amar Mohanty, Director of Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre. It started at 2 p.m. after a short introduction about the speakers by Prof. Mohanty and finished at 7 p.m. after a networking reception. 

The first speaker was Prof. David B. Layzell, Executive Director of Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment & Economy (ISEEE) from the University of Calgary. His presentation described how the fossil fuel greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are forcing climate change and how biological systems could provide a 'green' energy alternative. He also gave an overview of the Canadian energy system, including how it has changed over the past 30 years and where it is heading, presenting the challenges and opportunities for the transformation to a 'made-in-Canada' sustainable bioeconomy.

The second speaker was Mr. Steve Mojo, Executive Director of Biodegradable Products Institute, New York, USA. In his talk he discussed the increasing popularity of bioplastics over the last 10 years, giving simple demonstrations on the making of bioplastics, the growth of polylactic acid and the advent of biopolyethylene. His presentation covered the key issues and questions facing bioplastics manufacturers and users as they develop and introduce applications of these new bioplastics.

The third speaker Mr. Don O'Connor, President of S&T Squared Consultants, Delta, British Columbia, Canada, presented the sustainability of agriculture around the world. He discussed the interest in agriculture driven by government regulations, increased trade (especially in biofuels and biofuel feedstocks), consumer interest and the concerns about food vs. fuel. He also discussed whether the indirect land use change is real or exaggerated, the current debate for bio-chemicals and bio-materials, and how the Canadian practices stack up with producers from around the world.

About 70 participants from various fields; students, professors, industrialists and staff from OMAFRA participated in the seminar. The participants had the opportunity to interact with the speakers and ask for clarifications during the presentations. The seminar attendees obtained a unique advantage of interacting personally with speakers and their colleagues during the networking reception organized after the seminar. The participants were very appreciative and thankful for this bioeconomy seminar offered as part of the BDDC-OMAFRA-UofG-KTT program, with free parking arrangement and the networking lunch after the seminar. The webinar arranged for the presentations also helped others take part in the seminar indirectly.

  

Ontario biomass tour of BDDC
21 September, 2012

Students and representatives from farm producers, government and industry who are looking at new opportunities offered by the emerging bioeconomy visited the BDDC on September 21, 2012.

BDDC booth at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show in Woodstock, Ontario
12 September, 2012

BDDC participated in Canada’s premier outdoor agricultural showcase which highlights the most innovative and technologically advanced agricultural products and services available to farmers. In the display, BDDC exhibited and explained the bioproducts developed from the agricultural residues and bioplastics. 

      

Undergraduate Summer Research Presentations
17 August, 2012

The Undergraduate Researchers that have been working in the BDDC over the summer semester have presented their research projects in a mini-seminar to the BDDC group. Amazing work was accomplished this summer, with congratulations to Makoto, Andrew, Alexis, Eugene, Lauren, and Satvinder for their hard work and committment.

The seminar was hosted by Dr. Mohanty and Dr. Misra, where they presented each undergraduate student with a gift and a certificate of appreciation.

 

BDDC trainees at the CPES Undergraduate Poster Session
15 August, 2012

The CPES Undergraduate Poster Session took place on Wednesday, August 15th, in the Science Complex Atrium. 

Six BDDC undergraduate summer students participated in the CPES Undergraduate Poster Session hosted by the Department of Physics and the Department of Chemistry, organized by Robert Moscaritolo and Moez Valliani.

Congratulations to Alexis Wagner, First Prize winner for her poster entitled “Optimization of electrospun poly(lactic acid)/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) blend nanofibers for flexible electronics”.

  Poster session

Alexis Wagner

Pendulum swings to market-driven research - Guelph Mercury
8 July, 2012

Professor Amar Mohanty was interviewed by a local paper, Guelph Mercury, about research funding "Pendulum swings to market-driven research".

BDDC in the news: "Future is seen — wrapped in bioplastics"
21 June, 2012

Dr. Amar K. Mohanty gave the keynote address at the 18th International Association of Packaging Research Institutes conference. Seen as a promoter of the green economy, his message from the presentation was featured in "Future is seen — wrapped in bioplastics", by The Tribune, San Luis ObispoCounty, California.

 

OMAFRA-KTT Bio-Economy & BDDC Seminar
20 June, 2012

“Building the Fibre Industry:  Integrating Business and Technical Requirements Challenges” by Trevor Kloeck (Business Development Manager, Bio-Industrial Development Branch, Alberta Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development) and Wade Chute (Program Leader - Fibre Processing at Alberta Innovates - Technology Futures).

View Seminar Announcement 

Alumni weekend
15 June, 2012

During the alumni weekend, over 70 visitors including MAC'62 class (led by Carol Baxter) and OAC'62 class (led by Peter Hannam) met with Prof. Amar Mohanty and Dr. Manju Misra. Groups visited BDDC and learned more about projects on bio-based materials.

MAC'62 class

OAC'62 class

Open tour

Visit from the Department of Environmental Technology of Wageningen University, Netherlands
8 June, 2012

A group from the Department of Environmental Technology of Wageningen University, Netherlands visited BDDC facilities. About 20 PhD students and staff members visited the University of Guelph with an interest in innovation and technology for sustainable evironmental solutions.

AUTO21 funds new BDDC project
30 May, 2012

The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology) announced today new funding at the AUTO21 conference in Montreal, Quebec. A project led by Prof. Amar Mohanty and Prof. Mohini Sain (University of Toronto) entitled “Hybrid Biocomposites for Automotive Applications” has received $1 million over two years.

More on this story.

AUTO21 Annual Conference
29 May, 2012

BDDC was a sponsor of the AUTO21 Annual Conference, where approximately 400 delegates from Canada's research community and automotive sector attended and learned more about the Network's projects.

AUTO21 Annual Conference
May 29 – 31, 2012
Le Centre Sheraton
Montreal, Quebec

Delegation from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences visits BDDC
17 May, 2012

A group of 24 delegates from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences visited BDDC. The group was led by Dr. Sun Rifei, Director General, Prof. Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, CAAS.

International Business Development Representatives visit BDDC
10 May, 2012

Representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation, Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, international investment representatives from UK, South Korea, Sweden, Italy and Germany.

12th International Conference on Biocomposites
6 May, 2012

12th International Conference on Biocomposites

"Transition to Green Materials"

May 6-10, 2012

Marriott Niagara Falls Gateway on the Falls, Niagara, Ontario

High School tour of BDDC, Reach Ahead Day
3 May, 2012

Nine high school students and two teachers visited BDDC as a part of the OAC Reach Ahead Day events.

BDDC booth at the Agriculture, Horticulture and Landscape and Forestry SHSM Regional Workshop
30 April, 2012

Ontario Ministry of Education, the University of Guelph and Upper Grand District School Board co-hosted the regional SHSM sector meeting in Agriculture, Horticulture and Landscape and Forestry teachers. BDDC was represented by a bioproducts booth at the event.

BDDC host a tour for the HOSTA meeting at UofG
20 April, 2012

About 20 Horticulture Ontario Secondary Teachers Association (HOSTA) members visited BDDC.

Careers in Agriculture Workshop
19 April, 2012

As a part of the Career Education Council's workshop on the U of G Campus, BDDC hosted a Bioproducts tour of the facilities for 20 high school students from local schools.

Ron Buckhalt Public Seminar - "Biopreferred: Creating New Markets for Biobased Products"
17 April, 2012

Part of OMAFRA-UofG KTT Bioeconomy Seminars

"Biopreferred: Creating New Markets for Biobased Products"
Speaker: Ron Buckhalt
Manager, BioPreferred® program, USDA/Agricultural Research Service, Washington, DC
When: Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Time:   6 pm, followed by Reception at 7 pm
Location: OVC Lifetime Learning Centre, Rm1714, University of Guelph

We will hear about the steps the U.S. government is taking to support the development of the bioeconomy.  The BioPreferred program is a mandatory Federal procurement program put in place 10 years ago to help pull the market for biobased products by harnessing the purchasing power of the Federal government by mandating the purchase of products designated by USDA. The program now also has a USDA Certified Biobased Product label which is beginning to appear in retail outlets.  Additionally, the Administration is expected to announce a new Federal research thrust to support the bioeconomy.

Hosted by Prof. Amar Mohanty, Director of Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre
View Seminar Announcement

Seminar Recording

Huazhong Agricultural University Visit
17 April, 2012

As a part of the UofG visit, five delegates from Huazhong Agricultural University, China, visited the BDDC facility. The tour was led by Peter Pauls, Chair of the Department of Plant Agriculture.

Plant Agriculture Reach Ahead Day
17 April, 2012

BDDC hosted visit for about 40 high school students (grade 11), as a part of the Plant Agriculture Reach Ahead Day.

BDDC at the Green Living Show 2012
13 April, 2012

BDDC is one of the invited exhibitors at the Green Living Show 2012, in Toronto.

April 13-15, 2012, Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON.

CIBC guests visit BDDC facility
30 March, 2012

Hosted by Rene Van Acker (OAC Associate Dean, External Relations) and Peter McGowan (OAC BSc(Agr), CME Advisory Board, Board of Governors  and Campaign Cabinet), a group of CIBC bankers learned about research at the BDDC facility.

College Royal BDDC tours
17 March, 2012

BDDC participated in this year's College Royal, March 17-18, 2012 with the BDDC tours of the facility and a display booth within the Plant Agriculture Department exhibit.

 

Brenda Platt - Public Seminar "Sustainable Biomaterials: Criteria, Benefits, Challenges & Market-Based Tools"
13 March, 2012

As a part of OMAFRA-UofG KTT Bioeconomy Seminars, the first speaker in the series will be Brenda Platt, Co-Chair, Sustainable Biomaterials Collaborative, Institute for Local Self-Reliance, Washington, DC
"Sustainable Biomaterials: Criteria, Benefits, Challenges & Market-Based Tools"

When: Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Time:   6 pm, followed by Reception at 7 pm
Location: OVC Lifetime Learning Centre, Rm1714, University of Guelph

The development of bioplastics and other biobased materials holds great promise to mitigate many of the problems associated with plastic derived from nonrenewable sources. However, they are not an automatic panacea. As the interest in biomaterials grows, so follows concern regarding sourcing and end-of-life issues surrounding these materials such as food competition and GMOs and compostability vs recyclability. We will hear from the Sustainable Biomaterials Collaborative, and its efforts to promote innovative programs that allows buyers of biobased products to support sustainable agricultural practices.

Hosted by Professor Amar Mohanty, Director, Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre

View Seminar Announcement

Seminar Recording

Trent University Students visit BDDC
8 March, 2012

42 second year biology students from Trent University visited BDDC, led by Sara Pieper, their course instructor.

BDDC trainees win poster awards at the OMAFRA Knowledge Exchange Day-KTT in Action
1 February, 2012

BDDC trainees participated in the OMAFRA Knowledge Exchange Day: KTT in Action event. The event was co-hosted by the Office of Research, UofG and the Research and Innovation Branch, OMAFRA.

Congratulations to Nima Zarrinbakhsh, First Prize winner (for his poster "Bioethanol Industry Coproducts in Value-Added Biocomposite Applications") and Vidhya Nagarajan, Second Prize winner (for her poster "Biomass Based Green Composites: Advancing Towards a Sustainable Future").

The Honourable Ted McMeekin, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs visits BDDC
23 January, 2012

The Honourable Ted McMeekin, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and Fareed Amin, Deputy Minister, were welcomed to BDDC by Peter Pauls, Chair of Plant Agriculture Department, with presentations from Amar Mohanty, Director of BDDC, and Gord Surgeoner, President of Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, followed by the tour of the facility. Other visiting members included: Karen Chan, Assistant Deputy Minister, OMAFRA; Michael Tooms, Director Research Innovation, OMAFRA and Rich Moccia, Associate Vice-President, Agrifood & Partnerships, University of Guelph.

OMAFRA-KTT Bio-Economy & BDDC Seminar
15 December, 2011

Dr. Alejandro García & René Carmona, from the University of Chile, in Santiago, visited the BDDC, OMAFRA, as a part of the collaboration with Professor Amar Mohanty and Dr. Manjusri Misra. They gave a presentation on “Research at the University of Chile related to second generation bioethanol, our experience and challenges”.

View PDF

Congratulations to Bunurani Kalita on her successful M.Sc. thesis defense
13 December, 2011

Binurani Kalita graduated with an M.Sc. degree from the Department of Plant Agriculture. Her thesis, entitled “Life cycle assessment of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L) biomass production in Ontario”,  was focused on assessing switchgrass as a promising biomass crop for bioenergy and biomaterials applications.

Car Day at the Canadian Science and Technology Museum
7 December, 2011

Dr. Peter Frise (far left), Scientific Director and CEO of AUTO21 Inc, joined Mme Denise Amyot (far right) in cutting the ribbon to open an exhibit on biocomposite plastics at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
Professor Amar Mohanty, University of Guelph (second left) and Professor Mohini Sain, University of Toronto (third left).

Two interactive online exhibitions were launched on the same day: In Search of the Canadian Car and You Are What You Drive.

Read More

Missouri Legislators' and Missouri Biotech Association (MOBIO) tour of the University of Guelph BDDC
7 December, 2011

The legislators' interest was in learning about biotech and ag-biotech in Ontario, looking at successful models for developing clusters & commercializing technology, and building cooperative relationships between the two regions. As a part of their Ontario tour, they learned more about the BDDC, its role in the local economy and its success stories. They were welcomed by the Fraçois Tardif, the Acting Chair of the Plant Agriculture Department.
 

OMAFRA-KTT Bio-Economy & BDDC Seminar
1 December, 2011

Professor Rodrigo Navia, from the University of La Frontera in Temuco, Chille visited the University of Guelph and BDDC as a part of the collaboration with Professor Amar Mohanty. Prof. Navia gave a presentation on “Biofuels from microalgae: the Chilean example”.

View PDF

BDDC attends 8th Bi-Annual BioCar Research Meeting and Advisory Panel Meeting
18 November, 2011
This meeting was held at the University of Windsor, CAW Students Centre. This was the last meeting for the Ontario BioCar Initiative, an ORF-RE funded project. The meeting brought together researchers and partners of the project and had presentations on the latest contributions to the Ontario BioCar Initiative project.

Bio-Bins Are U of G Innovation
5 May, 2011
Canadian retailers sell storage bins made with U of G biocomposite formula.

BDDC presents at OAFT AGM
4 March, 2011
At the most recent Ontario Agri-Food Technologies Annual General Meeting, Professor Mohanty gave a presentation entitled "Bioproducts Discovery and Development Center (BDDC): What is happening & Which Way are we Going?"

The BetterPlanet Project
8 February, 2011
The BetterPlanet Project is a call to action for the University of Guelph community and people around the world to work together to find solutions for a healthy, equitable and sustainable world. Click on the video in the following link for more information!

Dr. Mohanty Speaks On Advances In The Development Of Bio Products
9 January, 2011
Dr. Amar Mohanty presented an update on "Renewable Feedstocks to Bio Products". The aim of Dr. Mohanty's research is to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and he is working toward a low carbon economy.

Green & Clean - Bioplastic: The Water Bottle That Won’t Live A Thousand Years
29 December, 2010
Since petroleum-based plastics are estimated to take somewhere between 500 and 1,000 years to break down in today’s landfills...

Discovery centre leading the way in plant innovation
13 December, 2010
The way to re-energize manufacturing in North America and in Ontario is through a transition to a biobased economy. A sustainable economy that uses renewable resources to create bio-based products that are created through green manufacturing process. The timing is right because there is, says Mohanty, a wave of support for policies, products and processes that are 'green' or environmentally-friendly...

Going Green / Part 5 of a five-part series about Ontario's Green Energy Hub
10 December, 2010
Standing at a table in a laboratory at the University of Guelph, Dr. Amar Mohanty picks up an odd-shaped object to show to a visitor. "This is a prototype of a car door panel," he explains. "This is one we develop through a composition of switchgrass and bio-plastics, plastic made from renewable resources. "You know there are 100,000 different car parts, both interior and exterior and we're looking at ways of making them from renewable resources." ...

The Bioenvironmental Polymer Society 18th Annual Beps Meeting
13 October, 2010
Running from October 13-16 at the Sheraton Centre Hotel in Toronto, ON. Canada.

Keen on Green
18 September, 2010

Turning soy, wheat, corn and other crops into everything from car parts to fuel is a way to keep Ontario clean and green. And that’s the goal of the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre and the researchers who conduct studies there.

The Bioproducts Discovery & Development Centre hightlighted on the cover and page 23 of the special "Agri-Food Yearbook" edition of U of G's Research 2009. [2.95 MB]

Read the Campus Bulletin

Jamaica: Ministry Of Agriculture Signs MoU With Canadian University
6 August, 2010

Ministry Of Agriculture Signs MoU With Canadian University

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed Friday August 6 between Jamaica's Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the University of Guelph, Canada, to foster collaboration in research, student and information exchange and technical assistance.

The signatories were Jamaica's Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton, and Vice-President of Research at the university, Professor Kevin Hall.

In an interview with JIS News, Dr. Tufton said the agreement will seek to identify common areas for research, training and application in the field of agriculture.

"We intend to do some follow-up quickly to try and get a delegation to Jamaica to work with our research institutions, like the University of the West Indies, and to essentially match their skills set to our requirements and our skills set also and, therefore, form a mutually beneficial arrangement," Dr. Tufton said.

He added that this would allow for the transfer of best practices in a number of areas, particularly in dairy and greenhouse technology.

The Minister is in Canada on an official visit from August 3 to 11. He described his visit, so far, as very informative, especially the tour of the Ontario Agricultural College, which is part of the University of Guelph.

"They are doing a lot of work, not just primary production, but also converting primary products into value-added products, environmentally friendly products, and other forms of agro business initiatives," he said.

Established in 1874, the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) is one of the founding colleges of the University of Guelph. It is a leader in "life sciences education and research" and focuses on four key areas - agriculture, food, the environment and rural communities.

Dr. Tufton and his delegation met with a number of faculty members of the OAC, and private sector personnel who are experts in the fields of crops, dairy, veterinary, greenhouse, tree fruits and bioproducts.

His delegation comprised: Jamaica's Consul General to Toronto, Seth George Ramocan; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Donovan Stanberry; Chief Technical Director in the Ministry, Dr. Marc Panton; Director of the Centre of Excellence for Advanced Technology, Dr. Derrick Deslandes; and Jampro North America's Senior Consulting Officer, Nardia McKenzie.

Dr. Tufton then moved onto Ottawa, where he was expected to take part in the Independence activities of the Jamaican community, meet with Canadian officials and tour several agencies.

SPARK*air: Amar Mohanty - Soyplastics
17 June, 2010
This video by SPARK*air outlines the current work that is being done in the BDDC regarding soy plastic.

U of G Hosts International Bioplastics and Green Composites Conference
31 March, 2010
Guelph - Should bioproducts manufacturers receive public subsidies to spur more "green" consumption? Should Canada follow other countries' lead and adopt specific targets for use of renewable resources? Policies and products will be on the agenda during this year's "Bioplastics and Green Composites 2010" workshop to be held in Guelph March 31-April 1.

Liberal Senate Forum, Statement by Senator Lorna Milne: University of Guelph
29 May, 2009
Honourable senators, a few weeks ago I was able to spend the morning exploring the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre of Excellence at the University of Guelph. It is a wonderful new educational research and outreach facility. I was amazed at what can be produced from waste products and from extremely inexpensive plant materials using nanotechnology...

Roundtable on the Future of the Bio-Based Economy in Canada
11 May, 2009
On May 11, 2009, the Public Policy Forum convened experts from industry, academia, and governments for a multi-stakeholder dialogue on the opportunities and challenges facing the bio-based economy in Canada. Expert speakers in the morning discussed how various sectors of the bio-economy are managing through the economic crisis. They identified priorities for action to maintain and increase the economic competitiveness of the bio-economy.

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BDDC news is always changing so be sure to check our latest news often for the new events and BDDC updates.