A new strain of giant miscanthus grass is now available and is being hailed as a product that can aid in weaning the U.S. away from foreign energy dependence, Earthtimes reported. The first guaranteed strain of giant miscanthus grass is being commercialized by SunBelt Biofuels LLC in a licensing agreement with Mississippi State University. MSU has studied Freedom Giant Miscanthus grass for 12 years and found it is a workable alternative to other biofuel sources such as corn, switchgrass and timber.

(Earthtimes, December 3, 2009)

(http://www.earthtimes.org/…)

DTN: Researchers at MSU have been studying the new Freedom Giant Miscanthus grass for the past years and feel it is a workable alternative to other biofuel feedstocks such as switchgrass or wood. One benefit is that the miscanthus grass takes only one year to replace, instead of using timber that will need at least 20 years to grow back. Since miscanthus grass takes less land than other crops and is less expensive to grow, researchers believe it could be profitable for farmers and could help suffering rural economics. (Cheryl Anderson)