Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
P
of L i C y
Because policy changes are needed to internalize the external costs of energy secu-
rity, of negative environmental changes, and of economic effects of our fossil energy
economies, there will be political implications associated with large-scale produc-
tion and conversion of biomass. Those political implications are already being felt
with regard to ethanol production from corn and biodiesel from soybean. Issues
include government subsidies, how much and for whom; increasing feedstock cost
and its effects on price of food and feed; effects on imports and exports; and short-
term adjustments versus long-term goals.
s
u is t a i in a b i L i t y
Biomass production and harvest, as with any other production practice, must be
done sustainably. It must conserve and enhance natural resources, including soil and
water. Also of concern are undesirable effects of rural ecosystems and ecology. If
soil quality is degraded, sustainable production is not possible. Water has already
become seriously deficient in many places. Further, as demands increase, extraction
of nonrenewable resources will also increase and reduce our capacity to provide
adequate amounts of energy (renewable or not) in the future.
There is need for sustainability in land use. This is as true for biofuel production
as for any other purpose. Consideration must be given for changes in land use in
one location caused by land use changes to produce bioenergy in another location.
There is a strong interdependency among nations and their policies and practices.
Sustainable practices and policies must extend across political and geographical
boundaries.
i
n v a s i v e
s
P e C i e s
There is concern that bioenergy crops could become invasive. An ideal crop for pro-
duction of biomass energy feedstock is one that is easily established, grows rapidly,
is robust, and is resistant to pests. That is basically the definition of an invasive plant.
Therefore, any acceptable energy crop plant must have characteristics that allow it to
be managed such that it does not become invasive. Species invasiveness, as related
to biofuel feedstock production, has been discussed in detail in a recent CAST com-
mentary (Council for Agricultural Science and Technology [CAST] 2007a).
the tRAnsItIon to RenewAble
bIoeneRgy: mAkIng It hAPPen
The transition from nonrenewable and nonsustainable dependence on fossil energy to
renewable and sustainable bioenergy will require addressing the barriers to change
with technology development and policy action.
