Identifying practices of inclusive biobased value chains: Lessons from corn stover in Iowa, sugar cane in Jamaica, and sugar beet in the Netherlands

Abstract

• A framework of inclusion, as means and goals, in biobased value chains allows for broadening the scope of practices relevant to inclusion. • Means of inclusion encompass practices such as feedstock selection, learning practices, biorefinery design, contracts, communication, and certificates. • Institutional arrangements and the design of technologies can shape inclusive value chains more so than participation. • The relationship between biomass producers and the biorefinery is the most essential part of inclusive biobased value chain. Including local producers of biomass in the process of developing global biobased value chains offers a way to ensure sustainable and reliable production of biomass while also promoting economic fairness. However, many contextual factors influence the design of inclusive bio-based value chains because their technology and feedstock are diverse. Inclusion is therefore not one-size-fits-all, but rather an approach demanding different strategies depending on the value chain. Given such diversity, how can the development of inclusion strategies in bio-based value chain design be supported? Responding to that question, this articles examines and analyzes the practices of biorefineries in the United States, Jamaica, and the Netherlands. We propose a means/goals approach to inclusion that can accommodate a variety of value chains. Moreover, we suggest that the concept of inclusion can realize several societal goals ranging from economic justice to managing uncertainties via various institutional arrangements and design means.