Organizers are declaring the first month of Ag-West Bio's new website - which is intended to connect Saskatchewan individuals, companies and organizations involved in bio-products, biofuels and bio-processing - a resounding success.

The site - www.go-BiO.ca - was launched March 17 at the Canadian Renewable Energy Workshop, and has seen a steady increase in traffic and registered users.

"We wanted the website to be a self-entry database, so that once users become registered, they can edit their information as changes happen," said Ag-West Bio Communications Assistant Jackie Robin.  "We also wanted the website to be searchable by key words."

Users can sort based on category (for example, bioenergy, biofuel, biomass, etc.), by function (such as financing, research and development, production) and by organizational type (including academic, industry or government).

The website increases the connectivity of producers and organizations operating in the industry.  It was also designed to meet the challenge of making out-of-province organizations aware of Saskatchewan's vibrant bioenergy and biotechnology cluster.

"The go-BiO site enables those from outside the province to easily connect with Saskatchewan-based contacts in the areas of research and development, production, financing, supplies and other contract services," said Ag-West Bio Vice-President Ron Kehrig.

"The researchable database showcases our provincial capacity, and allows participants the opportunity to create new connections and partnerships, expanding business beyond our borders.  We want those with a presence ‘on the ground' in Saskatchewan to get their information into the database, and we want those from outside the province to see just what great contacts exist in the province to help them move the industry forward."

The website began with approximately 100 registered users who were solicited by a consultant.  Since the launch, another 23 have registered.  With the exception of federal agencies, the website is only open for registration to organizations with a physical presence in Saskatchewan.

The website has been popular with visitors as well as registered users.  Monthly visitation is nearing

2,000 guests after only a month-and-a-half of operation.

Funding for www.go-BiO.ca was provided by the Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan.  In addition, Industry Canada provided funding for the website to become a prototype for other organizations and regions in Canada.

Ag-West Bio also receives funding support from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.

Users wishing to view the website for themselves can visit it at http://www.go-BiO.ca/.