The global push towards a more biomass-based energy sector is ramping up efforts to adopt regionally appropriate high-yielding crops. As potential bioenergy crops are being moved around the world an assessment of the climatic suitability would be a prudent first step in identifying suitable areas of productivity and risk.

To provide alternatives to petroleum-based energy, enhance global security, and reduce carbon emissions, the U.S. government has mandated a greater proportion of energy portfolio be derived from plant-based fuels (i.e., 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act; EISA).