Question:
Should I begin establishing switchgrass in case they put a cellulosic ethanol plant near by?
Answer:
Producing switchgrass for energy generally occurs under some form of contractual arrangement with the end user. Due to potential risk, farmers should establish switchgrass after they have obtained a production contract with anticipated satisfactory returns, or have plans for an alternative use for the crop. For more information on switchgrass production see the CenUSA Fact Sheet Switchgrass for Biofuel Production Contributors: Clark Garland and Tina Johnson, University of Tennessee.