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March 26, 2012
In the years ahead, U.S. and global markets will demand far more from our farms and forests than ever before. American farmers and foresters will need to produce a lot more food, feed, fuel, and fiber, while at the same time helping to restore the health of our rivers, lakes, and fisheries, improve wildlife habitat and biological diversity, and increase the amount of carbon stored in plants and soils. Extreme weather events and a changing climate will likely make these challenges even more difficult. Both producers and consumers will have to adapt and innovate as never before.
The question before Congress now is: Will the next Farm Bill help develop and assure the nation’s capacity to meet these difficult challenges in the years ahead?
On March 26, 2012, a panel of agricultural experts and innovators discussed the role that perennial biomass energy crops can play in addressing some of these challenges as part of multi-functional agricultural systems. Speakers addressed questions such as:
Can perennial biomass crops help reduce nutrient pollution, conserve soil and water, and enhance wildlife habitat AND provide new sources of revenue for producers, jobs, and a new source of domestic, renewable energy for the nation? What kinds of perennial biomass projects are already underway? How can the Farm Bill encourage the development of sustainable, multi-functional agricultural systems with perennial biomass crops that enhance economic, energy, and environmental outcomes?
Highlights: