Energy crops that are optimized for energy yield, rather than for food production, are projected to reduce the cost of cellulosic ethanol to a level comparable to the cost of corn grain ethanol, nearly doubling per-acre yields of this renewable fuel. Value-added energy crops may substantially increase farm income despite regulatory and trading partner hurdles.



Objectives:

Summarize status, advantages and drawbacks of energy crops.

Discuss current and desired regulation of energy crops.

Evaluate pros and cons to farmers of energy crops.