Repeated contacts will be needed to share information and answer questions. Perceptions of trust, fairness, credibility, and equity will also influence farmers' decisions. They will need assurances that a biomass energy system is more than a short-term experiment if they are to invest their time and resources in energy crop production. Contractual arrangements should provide guarantees that transition costs can be recovered if a biomass system operates for a shorter period than expected. Contracts may be written to provide early-stage participants with greater protection from risks.
Wide variability exists among farmers in terms of their resources, capabilities, and interests.
Consequently, arrangements should be tailored to meet the needs of individual producers, including small-scale farmers. Recognizing differing abilities to schedule or coordinate harvest activities should be considered. For example, some producers might opt for lower compensation in return for greater flexibility in harvest timing or method. Others might choose to receive a premium for meeting timing and quality standards. Switchgrass can be grown in all 12 states considered.