Biomass energy crop production versus food crop production in the Caribbean

Conference · Thu Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Alternative Energy Sources; (United States)

OSTI ID:6204665

Sammuels, G

The Caribbean countries have traditionally grown sugar cane, coffee and bananas as major agriculture export crops. Food crop production was sufficient in most cases for domestic consumption. In recent years powerful social and economic changes of increasing population, industrial development and higher living standards have placed pressure on local governments to provide food, clothing, shelter and energy. Energy that is mainly supplied by imported oil. Biomass, primarily as sugar cane, can provide a solution, either partial or total, to the problem. Unfortunately, the arable land area for the majority of the countries is limited. Food crop production is needed for local consumption and export. Possible energy crop production to provide local needs will place an increasing demand on arable land. The objective of this paper is to present the scope of food versus energy crop production and a suggested renewable energy crop program to help achieve a balance within the limited land resources of the Caribbean.

• Research Organization: Agricultural Research Associates, Winter Park, FL
• OSTI ID: 6204665
• Report Number(s): CONF-831205-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Alternative Energy Sources; (United States)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
140504* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Biomass Production & Conversion-- (-1989)
ATLANTIC OCEAN
BIOMASS
BIOMASS PLANTATIONS
CARIBBEAN SEA
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CROPS
CULTIVATION
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY SOURCES
FOOD
GRASS
ISLANDS
LAND USE
PLANTS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SEAS
SUGAR CANE
SURFACE WATERS