Biofuels Digest
October 26, 2009 Jim Lane

Bio-Based Energy Analysis Group says renewable energy standards raise farm incomes
In Washington, the University of Tennessee’s Bio-Based Energy Analysis Group presented a study during a US Senate briefing that found that a national renewable energy standard would create a large new market for biomass from the agricultural and forestry sectors, and have a positive effect on farm income.

The group said that a national 25 percent renewable energy standard would increase farm incomes by $9,419 in Florida, $11,283 in Colorado, $16,028 in North Carolina, and $43,229 in Kansas. The researchers evaluated direct employment opportunities from electric power buildout as well as the potential for job growth on the farm supported by increased biomass production.

Read the full story