Flagstaff County, Alberta
The Flagstaff County, Alberta BDO Zone for Wheat Straw is rated ‘A’.
Rating Issue Date: May 10, 2024.
'A' ratings denote high prospective viability of Feedstock Supply and Infrastructure and low expectations of default risk in the Zone. Capacity to support new biobased plant operations is considered strong.
Flagstaff County, AB, BDO Zone Overview
Feedstock quantities are expressed in oven-dry tonnes per year (odt/yr), while feedstock costs are expressed in Canadian dollars (CAD). Maximum transport distance is based on a 120-km driving distance from the centre point (Forestburg, AB).
BDO Zone Assets
- Multi-generational wheat production and harvesting history
- Producer willingness to participate under sustainable, mutually profitable conditions
- No large wheat straw competitors in the zone
- Made-in-Alberta farm restricted Class 1 driver licensing reduces shortages, creates local jobs
- 117-acre greenfield industrial park with investment-ready plan
BDO Zone Liabilities
- Grain price volatility, yield fluctuations, and weather extremes affecting supply
- Challenging supply chain logistics across geographically dispersed farms
- Potential public concerns regarding truck traffic, noise, emissions, road quality, accident risks
Infrastructure
- Flagstaff County offers a greenfield location for a new facility in an industrial park with land available for expansion and storage.
- The site is a 117-acre greenfield parcel in the proposed Village of Forestburg and Flagstaff County Industrial Park. The Area Structure Plan (ASP) has been completed, and the parcel is zoned Highway Commercial. The ASP includes an environmental site assessment, a geotechnical investigation, a traffic impact assessment, a historical resources overview, and a bio-physical assessment.
- All utilities are located at the property line, and the site has access to all modes of transportation.
- Permitted Uses:
- The proposed ASP development will provide a mix of commercial and industrial land uses that are compatible with one another and that will serve the surrounding residents as well as the surrounding communities.
- The site will allow for, but will not be limited to, the development of manufacturing, processing, repairing, fabrication, lumber yards, agricultural support services and sales, agro-industrial, agritourism, automotive and equipment maintenance and repair, bulk fuel storage and sales, contractor services, general retail, indoor storage, veterinary clinics, railway operations, retail and service businesses, and automobile, truck and farm equipment sales.
- Overall, the proposed site can support a large-scale biomass project and its inbound and outbound logistics.
- Community:
- Proximity to the Village of Forestburg provides relocation and investment incentives due to its safety, access to all levels of education, healthcare, sports, entertainment, and housing.
Local Grants and Incentives
Bio-Industrial Opportunities Section (Government of Alberta)The Government of Alberta unit that works with companies converting agriculture and forestry biomass into value-added products, offering technical services, product development support and access to specialised processing equipment for bio-industrial clients.
Bio Processing Innovation Centre (BPIC)A 10,000 sq ft pilot facility operated by BIOS that provides product development and scale-up support to the growing bioeconomy. Its assets sit between lab and pilot scale, letting companies test and improve proof-of-concept processes before committing to full production, across food, nutraceuticals, personal care products, essential oils, protein powders and biomaterials.
Agri-Food and Bioindustrial Innovation Program (Alberta Innovates)Provides up to $500,000 per project and up to 75% of total project costs for work that increases productivity, enhances competitiveness, boosts the value of agriculture and forestry commodities, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Continuous intake, with no application deadline; open to SMEs, industry organizations, R&D organizations and post-secondary institutions.
Emerging Opportunities Program (Government of Alberta)Supports growth and development of Alberta's value-added agriculture sector, funding new technologies, best new practices, significant capacity expansions and new builds. Maximum funding is $1,000,000 per fiscal year to a $2,000,000 total project cap, co-funding 25% of approved capital and 50% of approved non-capital expenses. Agriculture and bio-industrial processors must have a minimum total project investment of $2 million.
Contact Information
