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Latest News

The gardening season is almost upon us! Have you read “Using Switchgrass and Miscanthus as a Sustainable Mulch”? Here are some quick facts about it!

• Switchgrass and miscanthus are slower to decompose, which makes them a long-lasting mulch that does not need to be reapplied as often as materials like straw.
• They provide effective weed suppression by forming a dense layer that blocks light from reaching the soil surface.
• They help protect soil from erosion and improve soil quality over time by adding organic matter as they gradually break down.

Click here to read the publication…

The Ontario Biomass Producers Co-op (OBPC) held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at The GrandWay in Elora on March 17, 2026. Researchers, biomass producers, and OBPC members gathered to hear the latest in Ontario biomass research and explore emerging opportunities across the sector.

Click here to read more and view presentations….

Our Mission

At the Ontario Biomass Producers Co-op (OBPC), we’re turning opportunity into prosperity for Ontario producers. Our mission is to build strong, sustainable biomass supply chains that deliver real economic and environmental benefits, while ensuring fair and profitable returns for our members.

We connect growers with buyers, open doors to emerging markets, champion the biomass industry, and drive innovation through research. Whether it’s cultivating raw materials or fueling the future with sustainable energy and biobased materials, OBPC is here to support Ontario’s producers every step of the way.

Benefits of Biomass

Biomass refers to organic material derived from plants and animals that can be used in a variety of ways, including as a source of energy, livestock bedding, garden mulch, and erosion control. In the growing Canada switchgrass industry, crops like switchgrass and miscanthus are playing an important role in supporting sustainable agriculture and renewable energy systems.

Some reasons to grow and use biomass crops such as switchgrass and miscanthus include:

• Diversifying your farm operation – biomass crops can provide an additional source of income, whether sold as a raw material or processed into other products or for energy.
• Good way to use marginal land where traditional crops may not thrive.
• Increased carbon sequestration.
• Exciting market opportunities – new uses are constantly being found for biomass crops to replace less-sustainable materials.
• Renewable energy source

We are currently exploring:

• Canada switchgrass industry innovation
• Market development & opportunities
• Production of purpose grown biomass crops
• Harvesting of crop byproducts
• Transportation and storage issues
• Structure and financing options for a biomass production co-operative
• Biomass for the production of plastic products
• Animal Bedding (dairy, pet market etc.)
• Biomass as a substrate for mushroom farming
• Quality mulch for landscaping and vegetable farming

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OBPC supports the development of the Canada switchgrass industry, connecting producers, research, and emerging markets.

Want to become an OBPC member? See here for more information.

For inquiries about purchasing switchgrass, please email sales@ontariobiomass.com.

For general inquiries, please contact support@ontariobiomass.com or call 519-986-7544.

OBPC Board of Directors