Bio-economy facts
Canada's bio-economy
Canada’s bio-economy is worth $ 80 billion, more than 6.4 per cent of our GDP –and supports 1 million Canadian jobs, directly and indirectly.
Its future growth potential is even greater...
What is the bio-economy?
The bio-economy is the result of harnessing biotechnology processes, products and tools and applying these in diverse fields: the production of medical treatments, diagnostics, foods, energy, chemicals, and industrial materials.
International economists believe the bio-based economy is responsible for as much as one-third of the global economy.
According to the OECD, the bio-economy will contribute 10-14 new drugs per year over the next 5 years, and will be responsible for 10 % of chemical production by 2030.
This application of biotechnology is revitalizing established Canadian industries. In healthcare, automotive, agriculture, forestry and even traditional manufacturing, biotechnology provides options for more efficient, greener and cleaner products and processes such as:
- Car seat foam made from soybeans,
- bio-diesel
- bio-pesticides made from pest-killing viruses
- engine oils made from oilseed crops,
- biological therapies for Alzheimer’s or cancer,
- new plastic composites from agricultural sources,
- trans fat-free cooking oil,
- renewable biomass energy sources
- vaccines
Fact Sheets
Download PDF versions of our provincial bio-economy overviews.
