Wisconsin's Bio-based Ag Industry Receives $5M

In signing the state budget last Thursday, Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle approved spending $5 million for two new programs supporting agricultural and forestry bio-based industrial development. Bio-based industries convert the carbohydrates in plants into fuels, polymers, fabrics, and other chemicals. Advocates for bio-based fuels industries argue every function now served by petro-chemicals also can be more simply, safely and sustainably served by bio-chemicals.

As part of the governor's new biobased initiative announced in June, the two newly funded programs include:

• A $1 million grant program for agricultural businesses. These grants will help entrepreneurs develop ways to use plant and animal resources for no-waste, bio-based energy, fuels or products.
• Up to a $4 million grant program for the forestry industry. These grants will leverage federal dollars for the research, development and implementation of forestry biomass technology in Wisconsin, encouraging the use of forestry biomass as an energy source.

In June, Gov. Doyle appointed a Consortium on Biobased Industry to help guide the state's commitment to the emerging bioeconomy, including renewable fuels and energy and biobased products. The group, comprised of farmers and foresters, ethanol manufacturers, energy experts, researchers and entrepreneurs, will make its recommendations in May 2006.

More information is available at: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/journal_media_detail.asp?prid=1235