Memphis, TN/USA

While Memphis has staked its claim as America's Distribution Center (a move that is evolving into America's Aerotropolis), every investor knows that diversification is important.

And Memphis is diversifying in several ways, none more important than the Memphis Bioworks Foundation's efforts.

Among the organization's many efforts, it is spearheading a program that could result in a less fossil fuel-dependant economy.

Coordinated by Memphis Bioworks and funded by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, the 25Farmer Network has farmers throughout West Tennessee planting a variety of alternative crops that could replace petroleum and other fuels for the production of various products.

"These are crops that have never been grown in this area," said Hillary Spain of AgBioworks, which is coordinating the effort for the Bioworks Foundation. "We have several farmers who are ready to go, and others are skeptical. But we hope to expand the number of farmers, the crops and the acreage each season."

The program is an example of the developing "bioeconomy," which is simply the sustainable use of agricultural and forestry products to supply abundant food, biofuels and biobased products -- all of which are increasing in global demand.

The 25 Farmer Network is an important effort that could make the Mid-South a leader in the emerging bioeconomy.

About Colliers International

Colliers International is a global affiliation of independently owned commercial real estate firms. The organization's 10,092 employees span the world in 267 offices in 57 countries. On a worldwide basis, Colliers manages 672,945,918 square feet, and has revenue of $US 1,620,958,349.

Contact Information

Lindsey P. Browndyke
Marketing & Research Coordinator
Colliers Wilkinson Snowden
901.375.34800
lbrowndyke@colliersws.com

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