Harnessing Microbial Diversity for Sustainable Use of Forest Biomass Resources

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Generating solutions

Status

Past

Competition

2010 Large-Scale Applied Research Project Competition – Forestry and Environment

Genome Centre(s)

GE3LS

No

Project Leader(s)

Fiscal Year Project Launched

2010-2011

Project Description

Towards a new range of bioproducts from forest biomass. The  forestry products industry is one of Canada’s largest contributors to GDP, however, its  role has been diminished by increasing competition, consumer demands for higher  quality products and stakeholder interest in improved forest management. A key part of  remaining competitive involves better management of forest biomass ­ a rich source of  biofuels, feedstocks and other lignin­based products such as resins and carbon fibers.  Together, these could contribute more than $1 billion to GDP.

With funding from Genome Canada, scientists are exploring the microorganisms found  in soil that naturally degrade biomass. Unlocking the potential of forest biomass will lead  to better forest management practices and improve the economics of lignin­based  products. To expedite the wider use of these innovations, an integrated GE3LS  component is investigating key technological, commercial organizational, environmental  and societal issues.

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