Achievement

Despite yearly cellulosic biofuel production standards established by the EPA, production continues to fall short of required levels. One reason for the shortfall is the lack of farmer interest in producing for this market. This study examines the likelihood that farm managers are willing to grow three different types of cellulosic biofuel: a value added crop, an annual bioenergy crop, and a perennial bioenergy crop under favorable contract conditions. The study found that 77% of farmers are willing to harvest their crop residue, 61% are willing to grow an annual crop, and 44% are willing to grow a perennial crop – given favorable contract conditions. Results from the study reveal that farm managers take different things into consideration when determining if they are willing to grow each of the different types of cellulosic biofuel. These results imply that biorefineries must work with farmers to establish favorable contracts.