Biofuel Research Initiatives and Extension: Synergizing Engagement with Stakeholders.

This project will identify the factors associated with growers' adoption of energy crops that can be used as fuel or in heat or power generation; and with the consumers' perceptions and support of biofuels. We intend to strengthen and build upon previous studies of Illinois farmers’ perceptions of Miscanthus.  This study broadens that perspective to include energy crops generally among growers and consumers in the U.S., Brazil and Argentina. Part I of this project develops the information needs of agricultural producers and consumers; Part II establishes the technical content of the messages to share; Part III facilitates the development of a learning community to share information and create knowledge. Results from the survey of IL producers will be shown. This survey focused on: a) growers’ information needs regarding production, marketing, and policy incentives for energy crops; b) potential adoption and use of biofuels; and c) best methods of providing information to potential growers of biofuels.