The Initiative involves creating university-based research, extension, and educational programs for bio-based energy technologies. The University of Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station is one of five regional centers.
The strong history of multi-state research and education in the Southeast and the region’s outstanding resources in land-grant institutions position the region to excel in Sun Grant research and outreach programs. These same strengths will enable the Initiative to reach an extensive clientele base. Each of the region’s land-grant universities already holds a commitment to bio-products research. Together, the existing programs amount to an extensive research base and an ability to rapidly launch Initiative-funded programs.
Another asset for the Southeast lies in the inherent productivity of our agricultural lands, aided by a generally temperate climate and long-growing season. The region holds rich potential to produce crops for bio-based markets and products.
