Midwest Perennial Bioenergy Crop Diversification Project
Project Goal
In a collaboration between American Farmland Trust and Argonne National Laboratory, this project aims to help farmers transition marginal or unproductive areas of their land to grow perennial bioenergy crops. This effort seeks to repurpose subprime farmlands using perennial crops to provide additional economic opportunities while boosting farm resiliency. The perennials used in this transition can vary; some examples include switchgrass, miscanthus, native prairie mixes, and shrub willow. The project will involve both community outreach and technical assistance.
What are Perennial Bioenergy Crops?
Perennial crops for bioenergy are harvested for the use of their biomass to be converted into a renewable fuel source, especially for the generation of heat, electricity, and biochar. Wood, agricultural crops and waste, algae, and livestock manure are types of biomass used in bioenergy production. Perennial bioenergy crops can be incorporated into corn and soy production systems as a third crop or on land that is not used for producing cash crops. There are many benefits to transitioning marginal land to growing perennial bioenergy crops. A few environmental benefits are:
- Reduce nutrient loss due to more infiltration and water retention in soil and crops, sequester soil carbon, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Soil stabilization and erosion prevention. Only the tops of the plants are harvested, which leaves the living roots in place year-round. Root systems are typically deeper and stronger than annual crops and helps stabilize and regenerate soil function.
- Increased wildlife and soil microbial diversity.
There are also many economic and agronomic benefits to growing these crops as well. Some of which are:
- There is a potential to offset the cost of and dependance on traditional fuel types (gas, propane, etc.).
- There are emerging markets for renewable bioenergy in the Midwest. Early involvement in these markets may offer farmers a financial benefit due to limited availability of crops.
- These crops can grow on marginal lands where cash crop yields are not strong or profitable. This provides an opportunity to create value to an area of the farm that previously was not valuable or profitable.
- Hay baling and harvesting equipment can be used to harvest leafy biomass, such as switchgrass, miscanthus, and prairie mixes, so there is no need to invest in specialized equipment.
- Management practices surrounding these crops increase soil health and long-term productivity potential.
Collecting Data – Energy Consumption Survey
In efforts to gather more information about the energy needs and interests of Illinois farmers, AFT and Argonne National Laboratory are conducting a survey on the energy production and consumption on Illinois farms. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the diversification and installation of alternative energy sources. This includes renewable power technologies (e.g., wind turbines and solar panels) and organic waste streams (e.g., manure and post-harvest residue) from agricultural activities to create energy through processes like anaerobic digesters for combined heat and power generation, biochar production for soil amendment and heat generation, and renewable natural gas production. The survey aims to better understand farmer engagement and interest with onsite renewable energy production.
The survey closed in September 2022 and provided insight into the general opinion and willingness of farmers to adoption perennial bioenergy cropping systems and on-farm renewable energy systems. Based on this information, outreach strategies were refined to address outreach and educational needs in this area of agriculture. See the infographic below for key highlights of the survey results.
Connecting with Farmers & Bioenergy Processors – Listening Sessions and Technical Assistance
Farmer listening sessions are an integral part of this effort. By connecting with farmers to learn what their needs and interests are, individualized technical assistance can be provided. Additionally, connecting with bioenergy and biomass processors through listening sessions can offer insight into the current state of the bioenergy market and where new and existing opportunities may be for farmers who chose to produce biomass feedstocks. AFT and Argonne National Lab has been conducting a series of listening sessions to gather feedback on their online tool and to learn more about the potential to grow perennial crops for bioenergy use.
AFT and Argonne National Laboratory are offering farming communities the possible integration of perennial bioenergy crops and energy-producing technologies through technical assistance. Technical assistance for this project began in 2023. In- person educational workshops and free farmer consultations are offered to guide producers interested in growing these crops. A custom 5-year management plan will be prepared for recipients of technical assistance. These plans will include SUPERBEEST analysis and site specific recommendations for growing a perennial crop chosen by the farmer.
Are you a producer in Illinois and interested in participating in one of our listening sessions or receiving technical assistance? Click here to let us know or reach out Marlee Giacometti at mgiacometti@farmland.org for more information.
Past Listening Sessions:
- Bioenergy Crop Diversification Webinar – September 2022
- Listening Session for Bioenergy Industry Professionals – October 2022
- Savanna Institute’s Perennial Farm Gathering – December 2022
- Listening Session for Women Farmers & Landowners – December 2022
- Illinois Farmer & Landowner Listening Session – February 2023
- Listening Session for Bioenergy Industry Professionals – April 2023
- Technical Assistance Workshop for Perennial Bioenergy Crops (Crystal Lake, IL) – July 2023
- Technical Assistance Workshop for Perennial Bioenergy Crops (Simpson, IL) – November 2023
Tools to Help – SUPERBEEST
Our partners at Argonne National Laboratory have developed an online tool called the “Scaling Up PERennial Bioenergy Economics and Ecosystem Services Tool” (SUPERBEEST). This tool is designed to assist users in identifying marginal land based on various economic and environmental parameters, determine ecosystem services that would be realized if marginal land were converted from grain crops to bioenergy crops, and estimate the net economic value of this change. SUPERBEEST can work at any scale, whether it be an individual field or a group of watersheds. It is designed to serve a broad range of decision-makers regarding the adoption of perennial bioenergy crops, from farmers to biorefinery planners, environmental regulators, and researchers.
Click above to launch the SUPERBEEST Tool
Additionally, user input will help further tool refinement. The current data included in the tool consists of various base layers, watershed boundaries, soil and land characteristics, and biorefinery locations. SUPERBEEST is now publicly available and free to use. Click Here to launch the SUPERBEEST Tool.
Interested in a demo of the tool for you or your event? Reach out Marlee Giacometti at mgiacometti@farmland.org for more information.
Midwest Bioenergy Crop Coalition
Coalitions are integral in guiding the direction of long-term projects in achieving key project goals. With that in mind, AFT and Argonne National Laboratory have formed the Midwest Bioenergy Crop Coalition. This coalition comprises of approximately 30 members representing researchers, farmers, biomass processors, economists, non-profits, and policy professionals involved in the bioeconomy of the Midwest. This coalition meets quarterly and aims to keep the project informed on new developments in the industry and guide the project to achieve key goals.
