Dr. Sharon Paynter is actively working on securing external funding for several projects. One of these, for $75,000, is focused on the bio-based economy. See below for the project description:
“The Biobased economy has often been cited as a growing source of economic activity, job creation and environmental benefit through sustainable renewable energy production and use and biobased product manufacturing and consumption. Surprisingly there is relatively little data and indicators available to validate the assertions. There is a need for metrics to be collected and evaluated in order to make informed investment, purchasing and policy decisions.
“This project will continue to advance the nation’s understanding of the benefits and possible impacts of the biobased economy. The public will benefit from this work through an increased understanding that certain bioeconomy sectors lead to environmental benefits in air quality, water quantity and quality, climate change and waste minimization. The result of the project will be report titled “The 2021 Report on Indicators of the U.S. Biobased Economy”. Prior year reports are available from the USDA.”