Switchgrass Incentive Program

Of the $70 million in funding committed to the Biofuels Initiative, more than $8 million has been set aside for a farmer incentive program. This program will pay farmers on a per acre basis to produce switchgrass in advance of a mature market for the new energy crop.

The Initiative plated 725 acres of switchgrass in Spring 2008. In 2009, approximately 2000 acres is being planted on 37 private farms. Future plans are to plant an additional 2,000-3,000 acres in spring 2010. A subsequent round of applications will be accepted for switchgrass production in the pilot program for the 2010 planting seasons.

In 2008, sixteen area farmers received acceptance letters into the University of Tennessee switchgrass farmer incentive program in February. In total, 725 acres located in seven different East Tennessee counties were enrolled in the program. These contracts will pay farmers a rate of $450 per acre per year to grow switchgrass for a three-year term. The farmers will also be supplied with high quality switchgrass seed and technical assistance from UT Extension.

Applications for 2009 planting were accepted beginning in January. Applications were received from landowners for over 3,500 acres. Of these applications, 2000 acres was selected on 37 farms. Planting will begin in mid-April.

UT expects to enroll more acreage into the farmer incentive program for planting in spring 2010. Farmers who are interested in participating in future incentive programs are encouraged to contact their local Extension agent or visit this website for more information.

Documents and Information

Sample Application for Contract (pdf)
Sample Contract (pdf)
Current Switchgrass Producer Map (pdf)

Related Press Releases

Farmers Awarded Switchgrass Contracts for Tennessee Biofuels, Mar. 1, 2008
Area Farmers Encouraged to Attend Switchgrass Production Meetings, Jan. 7, 2008