An economic analysis of the financial viability of switchgrass as a raw material for pulp production in eastern Ontario

This paper examines the economic viability of producing switchgrass (Panicu m virgatum) to be used as pulp in fine paper production. Pulp mills in east ern Ontario and western Quebec are considered to be the potential market fo r switchgrass, The potential size of the market for switchgrass pulp is ass essed. Budgets for switchgrass are constructed and various measures of the potential market value of switchgrass are calculated. Based on these prelim inary findings, it appears that switchgrass could be an attractive crop for farmers in eastern Ontario and western Quebec. The total land area require d to satisfy the potential demand for switchgrass fibre for pulping in east ern Ontario is estimated to be between 22,000 and 48,000 hectares. Further agronomic research to examine the productivity of switchgrass on economical ly marginal and erosion prone lands is indicated. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.