Completed Competitive Grant

Shaping a functional and sustainable biofuels industry through bridging industrial needs with farmer production capabilities

Project ID: P2009-06

Abstract

In order for the biofuels industry to survive and succeed, it will need the cooperation of Iowa farmers to supply biomass. Farmers have concerns about production that need to be addressed in order to create a sustainable industry.

Key Question: Are farms capable and willing to meet the cellulosic feedstock needs of the emerging cellulosic biofuel industry?

Findings: A positive answer suggests strongly that farmers will have another income stream. A negative answer suggests that either industry requirements must be modified, farmer practices must be altered, or if it is a farmer risk issue, policy tools should be considered to move this renewable energy industry forward in a sustainable way.

Lead investigator: Richard M. Cruse, ISU Agronomy, et al

Year of grant completion: 2010

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

Topics: Bioeconomy and energy

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The Leopold Center was established by the 1987 Iowa Groundwater Protection Act as a research and education center at Iowa State University to develop sustainable agricultural practices that are both profitable and conserve natural resources. Iowa State does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Vietnam Era Veteran. Any persons having inquiries concerning this may contact the Director of Affirmative Action, 3210 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.

This page was found at http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/grants/p2009-06 on 01/21/2013