Bioeconomy

Searching for clarity on biofuels

IATP finds itself in an interesting place in the recent tidal wave of interest around biofuels. Our initial interest came from our work with local farmers and rural communities in Minnesota and surrounding states. These farmers and their communities were looking for a way to add value to their crops when prices were at record lows. The debate was far from today's discussion of food scarcity.

Biofuels and Global Water Challenges

The growth of the biofuel industry poses a number of challenges to water quantity and quality around the world.

A Perennial Bioeconomy?

This month, the USDA announced that the amount of U.S. land planted to corn had increased an incredible 18.5 percent, up to 92.9 million acres. The corn boom is directly tied to the ethanol boom, which in the U.S. is almost exclusively dependent on corn.

Perennial Crops Key to Bioeconomy's Future, Science Article

Government policies that support an expansion of perennial energy crops for the new bioeconomy will help diversify Midwest farms and bring a series of economic and environmental benefits, according to an article published in the June 15 edition of Science.

Water Use by Ethanol Plants: Potential Challenges

The shortage of available water could become the Achilles heel of the ethanol boom if more efficient use of water isn't made a priority, according to a new report by IATP.

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