4 minute read
Type of poplar tree
Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express
Wheat straw pulp
One of the byproducts of the wheat farming process could soon be used to make paper and other products of that type in Saskatchewan, thanks to a recent financial commitment by Innovation Saskatchewan. The government program announced it is committing $395,000 to Red Leaf Pulp through its Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF), joining a $495,000 commitment from Agriculture Canada announced earlier in the year. The reason for the major interest is simple -- once operational, Red Leaf Pulp will not only create more than 100 jobs in Regina, it’ll also help make use of a farm waste product that is usually burned: wheat straw. RLP is one of the leading companies in Canada looking into new technologies to produce pulp from wheat straw, which can then be used as a base for paper products and consumer packaging while remaining exceptionally environmentally friendly. Naturally, the key is the prevalence of the product in the province. Saskatchewan farmers produce millions of tons of wheat straw a year, which will offer RLP an almost endless supply for their venture. That, in addition to offering another source of revenue for farmers, this time from something that would never be used otherwise. “This is another example of Saskatchewan’s commitment to continue investing in ag innovation projects that have potential for high economic impact and we’re excited to see further development of this technology,” Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Jeremy Harrison said. The province’s interest is further piqued by RLP’s commitment to Saskatchewan. Once their research has come to fruition and is proven commercially viable, Red Leaf Pulp will establish Canada’s first wheat straw pulp facility in Regina at an estimated cost of $350 million. It’s expected it will create 110 full-time jobs and 250 jobs during construction. While no timeline has been set, work is well underway with regards to research and development, as can be seen on their website at www.redleafpulp.com. “Red Leaf Pulp is very appreciative of the support that Innovation Saskatchewan has shown through the SAIF program for the development of our project,” Red Leaf Pulp CEO Martin Pudlas said. “This is strong indication of the Province’s commitment to reducing carbon and promoting enhanced utilization and efficiency in the agricultural sector.”
Ducks Unlimited explains why water pumping projects ceased
By Ron Walter For Moose Jaw Express
Renewal of a 30-year agreement to keep water flowing into two regional southern Saskatchewan marshes was “cost-prohibitive,’’ according to a Ducks Unlimited spokesman. The 30 year-agreement to pump water from Lake Diefenbaker into the Lucky Lake Marsh expired in 2019. The agreement by the Ministry of Agriculture, SaskWater, Ducks Unlimited and local RMs was “adhered to by all parties.” To have renewed the agreement would cost “in the millions” over the life of the agreement with an estimated $100,000 to $125,000 increase in the first year,” said Michael Champion, head of government relations in Saskatchewan for Ducks Unlimited. “We haven’t abandoned the project. The infrastructure is still there. We didn’t import water. If we could find a funder we would bring it up to code.” A second regional project, the Riverhurst to Pelican Lake water and irrigation project, is in the same position of being cost-prohibitive to renew. The 100-kilometre channel flowing into Pelican Lake near Mortlach was described by Champion as an engineering marvel and has been touted as a major DU accomplishment. The project pumped water down a channel for irrigation, stock watering and bird habitat. A shift in DU priorities has also resulted in the loss of funding for these projects, “Science has discovered that these marshes aren’t as important for waterfowl as they were thought to be. Grasslands breeding habitat is more important for waterfowl than marshes. Significant losses of grassland habitat in eastern Saskatchewan caused DU to shift priorities to the eastern side of the province, said Champion. He understands some ranchers and farmers along the Riverhurst to Pelican Lake channel are upset at the loss of water for livestock, especially in this year of drought. “I understand their frustration. I understand their disappointment. They had a significant benefit for years.” When the agreements expired, said Champion, all land owners and municipalities affected were consulted. Asked if the situation was complicated because the province does not have a wetlands policy, Champion agreed “that is part of it. “I hesitate to say anything negative because the parties have worked together so long.” Various municipal and conservation organizations have lobbied the province for a wetlands policy similar to those in Alberta and Manitoba.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
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