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The purpose of the Bio-Energy and Bio-Economy Team is to build the capacity of Extension Agents and Educators to work with communities, residents and farmers to assess opportunities for developing a sustainable bioeconomy.
The Bio-Energy and Bio-Economy Team provides training, resources, public education, and networking opportunities for Extension Specialists on the technical, environmental, social, and economic aspects of the emerging bioeconomy.
Through team member initiatives, the team will provide local decision-makers and landowners with the knowledge, tools and skills to make wise choices about economic development, resource use, facility siting, and community involvement in the emerging bioeconomy.
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Cooperative Extension Dean Rick Klemme at Wisconsin Technology Days, 2007.
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Context: Impending peak oil (reduction of readily available supplies) and rapid global climate change are driving efforts to identify alternative fuel sources that are more carbon neutral than petroleum products. Bio-Fuels (fuels derived from plant and cellulosic materials) offer one such opportunity, and given the abundance of land resources, biomass growth potential, and water resources in the state, Wisconsin can gain from the utilization of such resources for the production of biofuels. Government officials, state agencies, and the University are all working to promote a vibrant and sustainable bioeconomy to exploit this potential. Bio-Economic development is an emerging area and offers the potential for communities within Wisconsin to benefit from sustainable use of resources. However, this opportunity does not come without challenges, and development must pay heed to concerns about soil conservation and health, water availability and quality, community impacts, economic feasibility, and other sustainability issues.
Linkages: Educational, research, and outreach programming on bioenergy and the bioeconomy are closely tied with other Cooperative Extension programming emphases, such as sustainability and renewable energy. The Bio-Energy and Bio-Economy team will maintain communication – and work collaboratively, when appropriate – with other Cooperative Extension teams that are addressing similar or related issues.
We have created a joint effort of two Cooperative Extension program areas:
Bio-based alternatives to fossil fuels offer great promise for Wisconsin farm families, for broader economic development and for our environment. But there are a great many risks and challenges we need to consider and resolve.
Faculty and staff in ANRE and CNRED are well positioned to assist farmers, businesses and communities as we co-create a sustainable bio-economy. In the true spirit of the Wisconsin Idea, we provide a link between the tremendous resources of the University of Wisconsin System and the people of the state.
If you have comments about the team or this website, please contact us. |
