March 24, 2008

Canada looks on biofuel grains for alternative feed ingredients

Canada is currently working with industry stakeholders to determine the best way to use fuel ethanol distillers' grains as an effective, safe feed ingredient, Gerry Ritz, minister of agriculture said.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is inviting public comments on the use of grains from ethanol production as livestock feed.

The country's government has been exploring new and innovative possibilities for producers.

The production of fuel ethanol from grain (biofuels) in Canada has increased dramatically in recent years. Distillers' grains resulting from production of alcoholic beverages are approved protein feed in livestock rations.

However, since the manufacturing processes for fuel ethanol can differ from those for potable alcohol, distillers' grains from the production of fuel ethanol are not approved as a feed ingredient.

The CFIA has developed a draft policy with the input of all stakeholders and is welcoming comments on this document until April 1, 2008.

The final version of the policy document will be published by the CFIA in the fall of 2008.