Impact of alternative agricultural land-use systems on energy and food security in Peterborough County

As the realization that the fossil energy resources which support our industrial systems are running out begins to penetrate mainstream discourse, the search for alternatives is intensifying. One such alternative is the use of agricultural land for the production of energy. This thesis examines how Peterborough County can sustainably dedicate an appropriate portion of its agricultural land base to energy production systems without unduly compromising food production or degrading the soil. Analysis performed in the context of a theoretical "self-sufficiency" model determined the following: 1) the land base of Peterborough County is capable of producing adequate quantities of food for all county residents and 2) once the land-use footprint of food production is accounted for, the remaining quantity of agricultural land is not sufficient to provide for all of Peterborough County's energy needs at current levels of consumption. Accepting this limitation, sustainable agricultural production of ethanol, biodiesel, biogas and combustion biomass, along with responsible implementation of solar and wind energy infrastructure, can contribute meaningfully to regional energy security and provide positive economic development opportunities in primary and secondary sectors.