Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Grinnell Area Petroleum Replacement Initiative, Phase 2

Project ID: M2008-12

Abstract

Onfarm creation of bioenergy may not be out of reach of the average small farmer. This project looked at some of the small-scale energy technologies available and assessed their promise for use by small farmers.

Key Question: Can producers in local food systems reduce their emissions and expenses by replacing fossil fuels with "homebrew" biofuels produced on the farm?

Findings: On-farm biofuel production can offer significant opportunities for small farmers to reduce their "carbon footprint" and add value to their produce by partnering with local restaurants and recycling waste oil into biodiesel for on-farm use.

Lead investigator: Rich Dana, Imagine Grinnell

Year of grant completion: 2009

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Marketing Initiative.

Topics: Bioeconomy and energy, Climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, Life Cycle Assessment, Market research and feasibility studies