Bioproducts

Bioproducts are any renewable biological resource (in whole or in part) used, traded or sold in the marketplace. The range of bioproducts is both diverse and growing. It includes fuels and lubricants, solvents and adhesives, therapeutic agents and high-value organic molecules and natural fibre for composite materials.

As interest in bioproducts grows, barley is increasingly considered as a source or feedstock, particularly for fuel ethanol production and health-promoting compounds.

Since its formation in 1991, the Alberta Barley Commission has supported numerous studies and projects aimed at using barley in bioproducts. One project eventually led to the formation of Cevena Bioproducts Inc. and its product Viscofiber, a dietary fibre derived from barley and oats that can be used in breads, drinks, nutritional bars, yogurts, ice cream, soups, pasta and breakfast cereals. Viscofiber is currently sold in the United States; in 2007, Natraceutical Group, a biotechnology holding company based in Spain, purchased Cevena.

Currently, the Commission supports two bioproducts projects Ceapro’s Biofuels Opportunities for Producers Initiative and the Barley Bioproducts Opportunities Project.

The Commission’s support of bioproducts has two goals: to give Alberta barley producers new opportunities and new markets.