Economic Development Regina, Ecostrat and the BDO Zone Initiative have announced the award of three investment-grade BDO Zone ratings for Regina, Saskatchewan in Canada.
The ratings establish Regina as a premier destination for bio-based manufacturing, underpinned by exceptional biomass resources, strong infrastructure and a resilient supply chain.
The ratings highlight the region’s capacity across three key biomass streams: 6.8 million tonnes per year of canola biomass, 500,000 air-dried tonnes per year of wheat straw, and 170,000 bone-dry tonnes per year of canola straw.
Each rating reflects both the scale of Regina’s resources and the sustainable practices of Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector.
“Each of these ratings tells an important story about Regina’s agriculture industry and bioeconomy opportunity,” said Chris Lane, chief executive of Economic Development Regina.
“On one side, Regina’s canola biomass rating speaks to a tremendous opportunity to add value to canola meal – a by-product of the crushing process. On the other, a somewhat lower rating in canola straw is a tribute to the regenerative practices used by Saskatchewan farmers, which naturally return nutrients to the soil.
"In between, we see Regina as home to a very real and evolving opportunity to add value to wheat straw. Built on the sustainable practices of Saskatchewan farmers, Regina is sitting on a billion-dollar opportunity in the bio-based industry. We’re optimistic about our future in this sector.”
Jordan Solomon, chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative, added: “Regina’s triple rating is a first in the history of the BDO Zone Initiative and highlights the region’s exceptional potential across multiple biomass value chains. These ratings are a powerful catalyst for investment in Regina’s agricultural bioeconomy, driving job creation, strengthening rural economies, and advancing Canada’s global leadership in bio-manufacturing.”
