Aloterra Energy Looks to Expand

Aloterra Energy is expanding its biomass production and processing operations into New York State.

Utilizing idle, marginal, or unproductive land, Aloterra wants farmers to grow an energy crop, which can be converted into fuel and numerous other bio-based products.

This tall grass is a non-invasive perennial that requires minimal fertilizer and does not need weed killing chemicals after being established.

The commitment to the renewable energy and biomass industries by the State of New York was expressed by State Senator James Seward at yesterday’s press conference.

Seward feels that this business venture Combining agriculture and manufacturing to produce environmentally sustainable products is an equation for success. The proposal will create jobs and offer farmers an opportunity to grow a new cash crop.

Aloterra officials will be meeting with farmers and Farm Bureau leadership tonight at 7 at the Agroforestry Center in Acra to discuss the project, answer questions, and assess interest in the biomass program from the local community.

They hope to get farmers and landowners in Schoharie, Delaware, and Greene counties to commit acreage dedicated to Phase I of growing this energy crop. Phase II will expand into the surrounding counties. Their goal for this New York region is 50,000 acres which will produce 600,000 tons of biomass annually.