While fossil energy prices remain relatively low and agricultural pric
es are maintained at a relatively high level as a result of production
costs, the use of purpose grown crops as a source of fuels requires s
ubsidies, tax support or other financial incentives to be viable. In t
he short term, the use of agricultural and forest raw materials as ind
ustrial raw materials for production of higher value products appears
more attractive, However. simple substitution of a petroleum-based pro
duct by one derived from plants is seldom possible. Options are review
ed, covering both established commercial activities (such as starch, v
egetable oil, paper pulp and natural fibres), as well as the extensive
research and development activities that should lead to new crops, ne
w products and new markets. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd
. Ail rights reserved.