In studying the potential of perennial grass production to supplement farm incomes and create jobs in Aroostook County, an UMPI faculty team worked to learn more about the potential contribution of grass biomass to the County’s portfolio of clean, renewable, “home grown” energy sources, which centered on wood biomass and wind power. Grasses, such as switch grass, reed canary grass, or timothy, were studied as possible feed stocks for a biomass pellet production facility.  As part of this work, the team conducted a survey of Fort Fairfield landowners who owned greater than 10 acres.  The team surveyed landowners about their current agricultural activities and resources, their farming experience and, importantly, their perspectives on grass biomass as a potential land use and production activity.

A report of the landowner survey is now available for download, and you can request a hard copy by emailing your physical address to jason.johnston@maine.edu.