From 1973 to 1986, Agriculture Canada supported research and development of methane digesters for Canadian farms. This report is a review of the progress made and an overall assessment of the technology to determine the present opportunities for Canadian farms. Background and some design detail are provided as an introduction to understanding anaerobic digestion and to assist in making preliminary assessments for specific applications. Further detailed information is available in the final reports resulting from the individual contracted out projects (see page 67). It is concluded that application of this technology to Canadian farms cannot be recommended since it is not profitable.