As the nation’s worst oil spill in history threatens the Gulf Coast’s energy, tourism and fishing industries, Florida is continuing efforts to promote the production of renewable energy from biomass resources in the Sunshine State.
For the fifth year in a row, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson will host the Farm to Fuel Summit, August 11-13 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, to bring together hundreds of industry leaders in agriculture, energy, academia and government who want to make Florida a leader in the production of renewable energy.
“Florida has the greatest potential for biomass production in the country, and the technology exists to convert our natural resources to clean, renewable energy,” Bronson said. “This event will bring together all the stakeholders so we can continue working toward the goal of reducing our dependence on foreign oil while at the same time providing another source of income for our farmers.”
Highlights of the summit include more than 40 speakers and 50 exhibitors. Last July, Bronson’s fourth Florida ‘Farm to Fuel’ summit attracted more than 500 participants. Attendees of this year’s summit will hear about various feedstocks and technologies for renewable energy production, challenges relating to project financing, permitting and infrastructure, and state and federal energy policy.