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Federal funding for efforts to boost bioenergy crop yields

The research will focus on trees and other non-food crops, seeking to improve yields and use of nutrients

A joint $8.9 investment by the US Departments of Energy and Agriculture has been announced, intending to improve feedstocks for bioenergy plants.

The program aims to speed up genetic breeding programs to help create plants better suited for energy production.

Seven DOE grants and two USDA grants will focus on harnessing energy potential in lignocellulosic materials – non-food plant fiber.

The emphasis of the research is on perennials, including trees and other non-food plants for use as dedicated biofuel crops.

The Departments said such crops meant less intensive production practices, and the possibility of cultivation in poorer quality land than food crops require.

The projects will work to enhance crop yields and nutrient usage.

“Critical”

US Energy Secretary Steven Chu said: “Cost-effective, sustainable biofuels are crucial to building a clean energy economy. By harnessing the power of science and technology, this joint effort between DOE and USDA will help accelerate research in the critical area of plant feedstocks, spurring the creation of the domestic bio-industry while creating jobs and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.”

“Developing a domestic source of renewable energy will create jobs and wealth in rural America, combat global warming, replace our dependence on foreign oil, and build a stronger foundation for the 21st century economy,” Secretary Vilsack said. “This scientific investment will lay the foundation for a source of fuel made from renewable sources.”

DOE’s Office of Science will provide $6.9 million in funding for seven projects, while USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture will award $2 million to fund two projects. Initial funding will support research projects for up to three years.

The DOE-funded projects include:

• USDA-ARS Western Regional Research Center, Albany, Calif., $949,348
• University of California, Berkeley, Calif., $793,413
• University of Delaware, Newark, Del., $868,794
• University of Georgia, Athens, Ga., $1,340,000
• University of Illinois, Champaign, Ill., $1,165,900
• University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo, $1,106,656
• Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, Danville, Va., $734,759

The USDA-funded projects include:

• University of Illinois, Champaign, Ill, $1,000,000
• Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, $1,000,000