Arundo donax: A Great Bio-Energy Crop PRESENTED BY: Joseph J. James, President & CEO The Corporation for Economic Opportunity April 8, 2008 Corporation for Economic Opportunity...”Prosperity for All”

Arundo donax (Arundo Cane) Arundo donax, more commonly known as Arundo Cane, is a giant perennial gass that produces more biomass per acre than any other known plant, other than bamboo. Arundo donax has long been recognized as important non- wood, industrial biomass-producing plants, which can be grown in a wide variety of soil types and climatic conditions. Arundo donax reaches maturity (15 to 25 feet) in about two years. Arundo donax produces an average of 20 to 50 tons of high quality fiber per acre, annually, depending on climate and soil conditions. Also, highly significant is the crop’s 20 to 25-year, perennial growing cycle, without annual replanting, and the ability to avoid the use of many costly fertilizers and weed killers, which are also an environmental concern.

Corporation for Economic Opportunity...”Prosperity for All” ARUNDO CANE’S UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES High biomass yield – to dry tons / acre Perennial: no annual tillage or planting for up to 25 years Energy content comparable to wood: 8000 Btu/lb Low fertilizer requirement - can be grown on marginal land Resists pests/requires no pesticides - rapid growth crowds out weeds Drought resistant & tolerant of excess water Prevents soil erosion Phyto-remediation applications that reduce contamination Great for pulp and paper uses Great habitat for wildlife The rare bio-energy crop that has a positive energy balance Renewable energy resource, no net CO2 emission

Corporation for Economic Opportunity...”Prosperity for All” ARUNDO CANE – A MATURE STAND (MAY 12, 2004)

Corporation for Economic Opportunity...”Prosperity for All” EARLIER CHALLENGES – DEMO PROJECT OPPORTUNITY Arundo Cane does not make seeds and propagates very slowly, via its roots, so, in the past, it could not easily be grown on a commercial scale. Also, Arundo Cane has exhibited “Invasive” tendancies, when placed in waterways. New plant technology and proper growing procedures have overcome these challenges. Demo Project: Planting costs, $2,500/acre. Harvesting costs $500/acre. A 100-acre site costs $300,000, in Year 1. Crop value $35/ton x 40 tons/acre = $140,000/yr for 20 yrs.

Corporation for Economic Opportunity...”Prosperity for All” ARUNDO CANE PLANTLETS GROWING IN LAB

Corporation for Economic Opportunity...”Prosperity for All” CONTACT INFORMATION Joseph J. James Pres. & CEO The Corporation for Economic Opportunity Phone: (803)