A presentation¹ on a Southern Bioenergy Roadmap was given at the Florida Farm to Fuel Summit. The presentation highlighted the need for strategic leadership to help the south to become a leader in renewable energy. SAFER, or the Southeast Agriculture & Forestry Energy Resources Alliance was formed in 2006 to help provide this. It comprises 100 private sector companies, agencies, universities an NGOs across 15 states. SAFER's activities include policy, research, commercialization and education and outreach. A case was made for wood pelletization? for its use in renewables - wood pellets? may offer some advantages in reducing transportation costs. Looking at possible future demand by both the electricity and biofuels markets, however, the challenge is that sawdust and waste seems unlikely to be able to meet demands, and in some areas, new mills are competing with other uses for trees. The wood products industry needs to meet a triple bottom line - economic sustainability, environmental sustainability and social sustainability.

¹Southern Bioenergy Roadmap, Tim White, Professor & Director, School of Forest Resources & Conservation, University of Florida. The paper can be found here: