Willingness of West Virginia Forest Stewardship Program (FSP) Participants to Establish Bioenergy Crops

While bioenergy crops are often promoted as a strategy to reduce fossil fuel dependence, adoption among private forest landowners remains limited. This study focuses on private forest landowners enrolled in the West Viginia Forest Stewardship Program, a group characterized by more active management and institutional participation than the broader forest landowner population. We surveyed program participants to identify factors influencing their decision to establish dedicated bioenergy crops. Although general awareness of bioenergy is high, willingness to adopt in the near future remains low. Fewer than 5% of landowners surveyed indicated that they intend to plant bioenergy crops within the next five years. Those who are currently involved in agricultural or forest land use were more likely to adopt, as were those familiar with specific bioenergy crops such as switchgrass, miscanthus, and willow. Participation in government conservation programs also increased adoption likelihood. In contrast, ownership size and age were negatively associated with willingness to adopt. Interestingly, general awareness that many crops can be grown for bioenergy was linked to lower adoption, suggesting skepticism about profitability or feasibility. Farmers were nearly eight times more likely to adopt than non-farmers. The results highlight the need for stable markets, well-aligned incentives, and institutional support rather than information alone.