Program Vision & Relevance

The ARS Bioenergy Program is a flexible, holistic, long-term research effort that integrates bioenergy production into existing agricultural production systems by simultaneously addressing three broad scientific topics:

·         Feedstock genetic improvement

·         Develop region based production systems to maximize the sustainable yield of high-quality bioenergy feedstocks

·         Enable new, commercially preferred technologies for conversion and value-added biorefinery co-products

Research on these three topics is coordinated within four Regional Biomass Research Centers so as to…

·         provide consistent, attractive returns to producers,

·         minimize adverse impacts on existing markets for food, feed and fiber, and

·         demonstrate good stewardship of soil, water and air resources…

for each region.

Help set priorities for USDA-ARS biorefining research over the next 5 years!

This spring, ARS will develop a new 5-year Action Plan for its biorefining research. An important step in that process is collecting public input about what should (or should not) be in this new Plan. Your input and comments will ensure that USDA-ARS's biorefining research will leverage ARS’ unique strengths, will not duplicate what can or should be done by other public or private-sector laboratories, will generate impact, and will be a good investment for public monies. For this purpose, ARS is creating a web-based system to receive public comments regarding our new Action Plan; this web-based system will be available between March 26^th and April 16^th.

Instructions for Submitting Public Comments

Please click on the link below to view a recorded webcast with instructions for using the web-based intranet system to submit your comments.  Thank you in advance for your comments!

Webcast