Three Ontario-based Canadian biodiesel producers have joined forces, forming the Ontario Biodiesel Association to better represent their business interests and the Ontario biodiesel industry, and to best address biodiesel-related issues that are important provincially and federally.

The OBA, which consists of Methes Energies Canada Inc., Great Lakes Biodiesel and Noroxel Energy Ltd., stated that its members currently produce 100 percent of the oilseed-based biodiesel in Ontario, which accounts for 75 percent of the total provincial production capacity of all biodiesel. Methes' production capacity is approximately 14.5 MMgy. Great Lakes Biodiesel has 45 MMgy of production capacity. Noroxel Energy can produce about 1.3 MMgy of biodiesel.

OBA said its members have invested more than $80 million in plant and equipment to produce biodiesel in the province. The organization cites an announcement from the Honourable Charles Sousa, Ontario Minister of Finance, last May, and his commitment through the government's budget, a consultation process to develop a biodiesel policy for Ontario. “That process began in July 2013 and the creation of the Ontario Biodiesel Association demonstrates the industry's commitment to the collective interests and concerns of the industry,” the OBA said, adding that an Ontario B2 mandate would create a demand for production of 600,000 metric tons of Ontario soybeans annually, supporting Ontario soy growers.