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Abstract

This study examines farmers' willingness to sell straw for energy and material applications in Scania, Sweden. Using interviews and surveys, we test the hypothesis that the absence of data on farmers' willingness to sell straw for energy purposes leads to a misrepresentation of the biomass supply from cereal and rapeseed straw in biomass potential assessments. Findings reveal willingness to sell straw depends on end use, preferring benefits like manure in barter arrangements over bioenergy. Land tenure is key; farmers leasing over 50% of their land are more likely to sell. Contrary to expectations, straw supply is not highly price-sensitive; competing uses like animal bedding influence decisions. Up to 57% (95% CI: 42–75) of land for cereals and rapeseed generating straw could be made available for energy, though agronomic and competing use limit this potential. These results challenge the view of straw as a residue and emphasise the need for region-specific policies reflecting land tenure, local practices, and agronomic priorities. Integrating nutrient recycling, diversified straw uses, and agroecosystem planning could enhance biomass availability and agricultural sustainability. Further research is needed assessing effectiveness, including carbon farming regulations. This study offers insights for aligning bioenergy goals with agricultural sustainability in biomass policy.

Keywords

straw supply; agricultural residue; farmer's decision-making; barter trade; price sensitivity; non-economic factors; agricultural policy

Published in

Publisher: SSRN

SLU Authors

UKÄ Subject classification

Agricultural Economics and Management and Rural development

Publication identifier

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5390077

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/143495