Forestry and Agriculture

Sustainably managed forestry, edible and non-food crops provide an extensive resource for the emerging bioeconomy sectors, supporting a wide range of sectors from energy and fuels to bulk and speciality chemicals. NNFCC has extensive knowledge and expertise concerning forestry- and crop feedstocks, their exploitation and market potential.

Forestry-Based Feedstocks

Sustainably managed forests provide an extensive renewable resource capable of supplying high biomass demand outlets through well-developed supply chains, working on both a local and global basis.  Sustainability can be assured through recognised audited schemes, building on confidence built in timber trading.  Many of these new uses utilise non-timber quality wood; thinnings, harvest residues and diseased wood as well as wood processing residues. Materials that would otherwise be left in-site or burnt on-site.  The biomass heat and power sectors both traditionally and through new and coal plant conversions have developed as significant wood feedstock users.  The investments made offers opportunities for other sectors to source consistent material of known provenance.

Agricultural Feedstocks

Starch and oil crops have been exploited at scale for decades in the production of industrial starch and biofuels. More recently agricultural residues and processing residues have been used for renewable energy production.  With increasing interest in use of non-food crops for fuels and energy, the value of straw as a feedstock is of interest as a widespread resource where facilities exist to collate and supply at scale.  There are also numerous fibre crops suited to use in composite materials and textiles.  Novel crops also offer opportunities for rural diversification.

NNFCC expertise

NNFCC understands the production systems and actors in forest and agricultural supply chains. Staff have practical experience in crop production and land management.  NNFCC understands the environmental impacts of biomass exploitation and the means of ensuring sustainable supply.  NNFCC is deeply involved in the policies shaping sustainable biomass use and advises clients on supply chains and reporting requirements.  NNFCC provides resource assessments and due-diligence services to support project developments as well as provision of greenhouse gas tools and support to help companies understand and address the carbon footprint of supply chains and processes.