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Abstract
Cellulosic-based ethanol production
is a cornerstone of current and
proposed U.S. renewable fuels
policy. Indeed, some recent
proposals include a nearly five-fold
increase in renewable fuels
production, the majority of which
would have to come from cellulosic
ethanol. U.S. farmers will clearly
play a significant role in the
development and success of this
industry. Aside from the
technological hurdles, a number of
supply chain barriers must also be
overcome. One such barrier
includes the marketing of cellulosic
feedstock (e.g., wheat straw and
corn stover) by farmers and the
procurement of this feedstock by
biofuels refineries. The exchange
mechanism for cellulosic feedstock
may develop in a number of
alternative ways. This research
specifically examines some early
contracting and procurement
strategies by an industry leader, the
Iogen Corporation. An
understanding of how biomass
marketing may evolve will help
farm managers better prepare for
entering this emerging industry.