Public perceptions of bioenergy and land use change: Comparing narrative frames of agriculture and forestry

• A natural experiment was used, framing bioenergy as an agricultural or forestry land use issue.
• Croplands frame elicits perceived lower energy prices and increased well-being.
• Woodlands frame elicits greater uncertainty overall and greater uncertainty regarding local energy prices.

While much research has focused on landowner perspectives for producing biomass to supply potential future bioenergy demands, there has been relatively little research on regional public opinion and perceptions of land use change associated with bioenergy production. This project investigates perceptions of potential bioenergy land use among the general public by using a natural experiment employing narrative frames of agriculture and forestry. Results show differences in public perceptions given these two narrative land use frames. Relatively high levels of uncertainty were found across both frames, especially related to perceptions of future impacts on local energy prices in the forestry frame. Understanding how land use frames can influence perceptions about bioenergy system development can help facilitate more effective communication while addressing potential uncertainties when moderating or participating in stakeholder group deliberation regarding bioenergy and related land use change.