An integrated on-farm production system: Agricultural briquettes for residential heating in Nova Scotia, Canada

Agricultural biomass is emerging as a sustainable and suitable resource for use in the production of solid fuel, designed for residential markets. The development of such a fuel source faces several challenges including combustion properties, a reliable supply of raw materials, distance from and access to conversion facilities, production scale and market access for agricultural biomass products. This paper evaluated the economic feasibility of an “integrated on-farm production system” based in Nova Scotia, Canada and considered the importance and influence of policy on the development of a sustainable on-farm production system. This integrated approach is evaluated with input and output based incentive models, both of which are currently available in the USA and Prince Edward Island, Canada. The results indicate that the development of an integrated on-farm approach, while showing promise, will require policy implementation and pragmatic incentives to be truly sustainable. It is proposed that the benefits to the agricultural sector, rural communities and the environment should outweigh the costs of such incentives.