Feasibility of a California Energy Feedstock Supply Cooperative

The San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District banned the burning of stumps in orchard removal as of June 1, 2007 and established a total ban on burning of all orchard waste effective June 1, 2010. There are about one million acres of deciduous fruit and nut trees in California, producing an estimated 700,000 tons of prunings annually. In the past, much of this orchard waste has been burned in the field. This article examines a series of Energy Feedstock Supply Cooperatives as a means of helping farmers dispose of the orchard waste using methods that are both environmentally sustainable and income generating. This mediates the costs associated with meeting the environmental air quality mandates. The report discusses the financial issues involved and the diverse uses of orchard residue, including their potential for conversion into energy and for foreign export. Additionally this report includes comprehensive materials needed for the organization of an Energy Feedstock Supply Cooperative, including sample articles of incorporation, bylaws, membership application forms and a membership agreement.