Production of biomass resources, assessment of their availability and interactions with food production: a supply model for the regional scale

In an ever widening global market the policies for the energy sector are constantly assuming a more important role. In terms of biofuels, the European Union appointment starts with the Directive 2003/30/CE that assembles the promotion of biofuels and other renewable fuels. The purpose of the present study is the evaluation of the potential biomass supply, as Renewable Energy, and the assessment of the supply’s development following some future scenarios. The methodological approach has taken into consideration the possible changes in the economic variables of agricultural companies, the principal future trends of the Common Agricultural Policy and, finally, the effect of some forms of production "incentive" at the local scale. The suggested method was used in a case study in Lombardia (Italy) and it appears to be useful for facing a preliminary study to define more accurate local policy strategies. Acting on the government aid level the policy makers can see the results in terms of non-food crops’ potential supply for energy purposes. In particular, the public support for biofuel demands creation could be the key element to giving value to the potential supply where there is an economic sustainability.