Trees can be grown for as long as a decade, then be harvested for energy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that there will be about 100 million acres available for growing energy crops in the 21st century. Another advantage of energy crops is that they provide diversity of production to farmers, reducing risks from fluctuating markets and stabilizing farm income. The typical modern farm usually only produces one or two major commercial products such as corn, soybeans, milk or beef. The net income of the entire operation is often vulnerable to fluctuations in market demand, unexpected production costs, and the weather, among other factors.
Energy crops are also more resistant to disease and pests and relatively inexpensive to grow.
For more information on energy crops and the Biofuels Feedstock Development Program , visit the Bioenergy Information Network .