The Bioproducts AgSci Research Cluster initiative is managed by Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC). This initiative is a nationally distributed pre-commercial research cluster focused on the development of industrial bioproducts technologies and their feedstocks from the Canadian agriculture sector, supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Funding is provided through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

The goals of the AgSci Cluster are to create new and growing economic opportunities for Canadian farmers, and to provide a green, competitive, and sustainable future for the Canadian agriculture sector. Developing pathways from agriculture to the bioeconomy through industrial bioproducts opens new and alternate markets and applications for the sector, including into the manufacturing and energy sectors

Current Activities

Development and Quantification of the Efficacy of Novel Biostimulant and Bio-Control Formulations Derived from Spent Mushroom Substrate

BioLine Corp., Alvinston, ON

The purpose of this project is to use components extracted from sources of biomass including spent mushroom compost to develop enhanced fertilizer formulations, bio-fungicide products, and enzymes for bioprocessing and bioremediation.

Enzymatic Upgrading of Biorefinery Side-streams

University of Toronto, Toronto, ON

The purpose of this activity is to develop enzyme technologies that upgrade underused biorefinery side-streams into bioproducts with high market demand. 20 individual side-streams are being studied.

Utilization of Agricultural By-Products for Renewable Fuels, Specialty Chemicals, and Solvents

University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB & FORGE Hydrocarbon

The purpose of this activity is to develop and scale-up accessory processes and technologies for the patented lipid-to-hydrocarbon (LTH) technology owned by Forge Hydrocarbons. The LTH technology is a two-step thermal conversion process that converts a variety of lipid sources, including waste and by-products from the agricultural sector, into renewable hydrocarbons which can then be utilized as solvents, platform chemicals, and drop-in fuels such as naphtha/gasoline, diesel, or jet fuel.

Biopolymer Paper Coating for Functional Mulch Film

University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON

The purpose of this activity is to design a fertilizer encapsulated paper-based mulch film that can provide controlled fertilizer delivery through biodegradation.

New value streams for Canadian pea proteins and co-products

Principal Investigator/Organization – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB

When pea flour is fractionated, there are three major components produced: starch (45-55%), fibre (15-20%), and protein (20-25%). Pea proteins are most commonly used as meat-alternatives; however, when purified to sufficient levels, pea albumin also has high-value applications in cosmetics, medical food, and pharmaceuticals. The goal of the project is to reduce waste and lower the environmental footprint of pea processing by setting an ambitious target to use >80% of the pea. With the rapidly expanding pea protein industry in Canada, alternative uses for pea starch and fibre need to be found. For example, pea starch and fibre could be used to fabricate compostable, plant-based food containers for the restaurant industry and to ship premium pea protein isolate.

Regenerated Cellulose Textiles from Hemp

University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB

The purpose of this activity is to determine the optimal hemp characteristics for lyocell regenerated cellulose fiber (L-RCF) products for a wide range of products such as personal protective equipment (PPE), dental floss, healthcare products, nonwoven products, and consumer apparel textiles.

Transforming Wild Rice Products and Markets to Enhance Indigenous Community Development

Myera Bioproducts, Winnipeg, MB & University of Manitoba

The purpose of this activity is to develop a novel cultivated wild rice planting process using "seedling-tape" manufactured from biodegradable polymers to help automate germination, seeding and cultivation.

Establishment of a Framework for Integrating Carbon and Heat Capture from Composting of Food and Bioindustrial Organic Wastes for Use in Controlled Environment Agriculture and Greenhouse Production Systems

Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS

The purpose of this activity is to effectively circularize waste biomass from greenhouses and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facilities (such as vertical farms) by integrating in-vessel composting with carbon capture and utilization for production of locally sourced food.

Biographite Enhanced Lightweight Sustainable Biocomposites for Electric Vehicle Parts

University of Guelph, Guelph, ON

The purpose of this activity is to develop and engineer bio-based materials for use in electric vehicles (EVs) with high performances and low carbon footprints by integrating the structural benefits of newly discovered biographite sources.

Development of High Efficiency Enzymes for Bioethanol Production from Agricultural Straws

Alberta Innovates & University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB

The purpose of this activity is to develop a group of enzymes that can breakdown agricultural residual straws (such as wheat, barley or canola straw) which would otherwise be used as waste material. The simple sugars generated by this enzyme digestion process can be used as feedstock in bioethanol production.

AgSci Cluster Partners

Dakota Tipi First Nation