Wheat Straw biomass receives ‘A’ BDO Zone rating in Flagstaff County

Flagstaff County, Ecostrat, and the BDO Zone Initiative have announced the issue of an investment grade BDO Zone ‘A’ Rating for Flagstaff County for 450,000 oven dry tons per year of wheat straw.
The Flagstaff County BDO Zone is the first rating in the Province of Alberta for Wheat Straw and extends a 120-km drive distance from the centre point in Forestburg, AB.
Flagstaff County's ‘A’ rating signifies exceptional prospective viability for feedstock supply and infrastructure, coupled with minimal default risk in the Zone.
The region boasts robust support for new biobased plant operations, underpinned by a multi-generational legacy of wheat production and wheat straw harvesting.
Local producers are eager to participate in sustainable and mutually profitable wheat straw initiatives.
Notably, there is no competition for wheat straw within the BDO Zone, further enhancing its appeal.
Additionally, the investment-ready greenfield industrial park makes Flagstaff County the ideal location for bio-based projects requiring a reliable supply of wheat straw biomass.
“The 'A' rating underscores Flagstaff County's immense potential as a regional leader in the bioeconomy,” said Shaina Dunn, economic development coordinator for Flagstaff County. “We are excited to attract and collaborate with companies in bioenergy, biochemicals, and bioproducts, investing significantly in our region.
"This commitment to innovation and expansion will not only diversify our agricultural resources but also position Flagstaff County at the forefront of bio-based industrial manufacturing – paving the way for sustainable economic growth and a prosperous future for our community.”
Jordan Solomon, chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative, added, “As the first ‘A’ Rating for agricultural residues in Alberta, this BDO Zone highlights Flagstaff County’s proactive approach to harnessing nearly half a million tons of abundant, sustainable wheat straw to unlock new markets for this underutilized biomass.”