From Healthy Soils to Sustainable Materials & Energy Through Switchgrass: What You Missed at the OBPC AGM
Updated: 5 days ago
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.
There continues to be exciting momentum in biomass research, and this year’s presentations sparked thoughtful discussion around both production and end-use innovation. The work shared not only supports biomass producers, but also contributes to broader conversations around sustainability, materials, and agricultural resilience.
A huge thank you to our presenters for sharing their time and expertise, and to the Grand River Agricultural Society for their generous support of the AGM.
Presentations
Biomass Buffers and Silt Socks Research Updates Presented by Dr. Emily Chiang, University of Guelph This presentation explored how switchgrass is being used in buffer systems to reduce soil loss and filter contaminants. Research continues to show that lower-density materials improve filtration, and that wider buffer systems may offer both environmental and economic benefits through harvest potential.
Biology of the Switchgrass Gall Midge and its Impact in Ontario Presented by Dr. Rebecca Hallett, University of Guelph Attendees learned about the lifecycle of the gall midge, including key monitoring windows in late summer when damage becomes visible. Ongoing research is helping to better understand population dynamics and natural controls, including parasitic species.
Increasing Soil Organic Matter Using Long-Term Switchgrass Cropping Systems Presented by Devon Beckman and Dr. Adam Gillespie, University of Guelph This session highlighted how switchgrass contributes to soil organic matter and carbon sequestration. Research is examining different carbon fractions and tracking how stable carbon forms develop over time under perennial systems.
Bio-based Insulation from Agricultural Residues Presented by Garrett Johnson, Hundred Year Materials Inc. Innovative work is underway to develop high-performance insulation materials from agricultural residues. These materials offer strong thermal resistance while also contributing to moisture regulation, positioning them as promising alternatives in low-carbon construction.
Turning Agricultural Residues into Renewable Gas: Practical Pathways for Ontario Farmers Presented by Sasha Rollings-Scattergood, Anaergia This presentation explored how agricultural and food-based biomass can be converted into renewable natural gas (RNG), with co-benefits including fertilizer production. Examples from Europe highlighted how integrated systems can create “symbiotic” agricultural and energy solutions.
Advancing the Farm Sector Through Improved Switchgrass Varieties Presented by Roger Samson (REAP Canada) and Don Nott (Nott Farms) This session discussed the role of improved switchgrass varieties in supporting both farm viability and new markets. With growing interest in alternative fibres and materials, switchgrass continues to show potential beyond traditional energy uses.
From Ontario Fields to High-Value Chemicals and Advanced Materials Presented by Sneha Shanbhag, Carboform Inc. The final presentation focused on extracting higher-value components, such as lignin, from biomass feedstocks. Switchgrass showed strong potential for material applications, including use in products like biochemicals and even sunscreen formulations.
The 2026 AGM highlighted the continued evolution of the biomass sector, from on-farm production to innovative end uses. As research and industry continue to align, Ontario is well positioned to play a leading role in building a more sustainable, bio-based economy.
OBPC would like to thank the Grand River Agricultural Society and Dr. Emily Chiang from the University of Guelph for their support of the AGM.
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