Corn Best for Bioproducts, Biorefineries

March 14, 2002

National Corn Growers Association Vice President of Operations Mike Rohan said corn was selected the crop best fit to near-term and future potential in bioprocuts and biorefineries by participants at a Department of Energy-sponsored workshop titled "Identifying High Potential Crops for Bioproducts and Biorefineries". The meeting took place in Chicago and brought together more than 80 representatives of industry, academia, agricultural organizations and government agencies.

"The purpose of the symposium was to tap the group's insights, knowledge and outlook on issues and applications to the potential of crops in producing near-term and future bio-based materials," said Rohan.

The group heard analysis of future markets, business issues and opportunities for specific crops including corn, soybeans, trees and other crops. A discussion of industry needs centered on required feedstock proprieties; desired priorities for crop plants and the advantages of bypassing feedstock and fermentation steps to get to a product.

"For example," Rohan said, "one speaker indicated analysis for 40 square miles of greenhouses and a cost of $11 billion to produce a contained crop. Production cost modeling revealed estimated increases or savings for processing, yield impact, refining and co-products.

"We also identified hurdles to make bioproducts/biorefineries realities," he continued. "These included: substantial infrastructure development; further improvement in plant science; consistent feedstock production-including grower acceptance of change; increased product utilization; identification of new product ideas and the cross issues of high risk, high investment and an integrated food chain."