Biomass Refineries

Integrated biomass refineries are an essential component of the bio-based economy and current energy transition efforts. A biorefinery utilizes biomass feedstock to produce a variety of chemicals, fuels, and materials, along with energy. It has been envisioned as being analogous to the petroleum refinery which similarly converts and separates crude oil into a variety of products. As a carbon-based renewable feedstock, biomass offers unique possibilities in comparison to other renewable resources, particularly from the materials and chemicals perspective. Agriculture and forestry sectors are particularly poised to play a role in the development of these biorefineries, leveraged additionally by efforts on decarbonization.

Emissions

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are emissions of concern from a variety of anthropogenic activities, including agriculture. Other gases, such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia from livestock farming, can also create occupational exposure hazards for workers and owners of these facilities and has led to several deaths involving multiple people and animals. Manure storage and handling in both ambient and enclosed spaces can create toxic environments given the right environmental conditions (temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, etc.), and this is an active area of research with enormous consequences.

Workforce Development

Agricultural workforce in the United States is vulnerable due to its reliance on foreign-born workers that are employed on temporary guest worker visas. US agricultural workforce is aging and is not being adequately replenished with younger workers, leading to cause for concern regarding the sustainability of the industries involved. Although digital agriculture is suggested as a solution, its contribution may be limited. To share the experiences of working in Louisiana’s sugarcane factories and attract new workers, we created a video where current employees describe what motivates them in their role and what they like about their jobs. (Video produced in collaboration with Lafourche Sugars, Mr. Randy LaBauve, and Mr. Craig Gautreaux)