Agriculturally Speaking... Promoting Renewable Energy and Conservation Initiatives

February 11, 2008

Michigan farmers and landowners are incorporating sound conservation practices into their daily farm management and bringing revenue into Michigan through their environmental practices. From growing corn, soybeans, and other crops for renewable fuels to turning livestock manure and other items into methane gas, our state is looking to set ambitious alternative energy goals - produce 10 percent of our electrical energy from renewable sources by the year 2015 and a full 25 percent by the year 2025. These goals would not be obtainable without the continued efforts of Michigan’s food and agriculture industry.

The agricultural industry has made significant advances in exploring and utilizing new methods and technologies to minimize environmental impacts and increase sustainability through the production of alternative bio-energy from a variety of agricultural by-products. Using anaerobic digestion technology - manure, food processing residuals, and other organic materials - can be converted into renewable energy serving as a viable alternative in supporting sustainable residuals management.

Anaerobic digestion decomposes manure, food processing waste, or any organic material in a process that produces biogas consisting of methane, carbon dioxide, and other trace gases. These biogases are utilized to produce heat, generate electricity, or as natural gas while the remaining materials coming out of the digester can used as high quality fertilizer, animal bedding, or composted and mixed with other recycled products to produce green building materials. Currently, Michigan has eight operational digester systems with several more in the planning phase.

In addition to the production of renewable energy, there are many advantages to anaerobic digestion. Digesters can significantly reduce odor from livestock production, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect our water resources. The renewable energy produced from 100 dairy cows could be used to power 15 homes per day.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) has enhanced partnerships between the industry, other state agencies, and universities to explore this technology. In spring 2007, MDA launched an Anaerobic Digester Operator Certification Program to provide training and support to the operators of these systems. Additionally, MDA hosted a "Bio-Energy Production through Anaerobic Digester Technology" conference last month to provide information on the current technology and the real-life experiences of digester technology.

Additionally, MDA partnered with the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts and the Delta Institute to create the Michigan Conservation and Climate Initiative (MCCI). This project allows farmers and landowners the ability to earn greenhouse gas emissions credits when they use conservation tillage, plant grasses or trees, or capture methane with manure digesters. The "carbon credits" earned can than be sold on the Chicago Climate Exchange, a member-based market comprised of large companies, municipalities, and institutions. The landowner must sign a contract and commit to maintaining the conservation practices through 2010. As part of the MCCI, Michigan landowners implemented conservation practices on 36,601 acres sequestering approximately 27,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide. Depending on the market price, landowners will earn an additional $2 to $4 per acre just for implementing conservation practices and being good stewards of the land while saving money on farm energy costs.

Visit www.michigan.gov/mda for additional information on renewable energy and anaerobic digestion technology. For more information on the Michigan Conservation and Climate Initiative visit www.michiganclimate.org.