The role of agriculture in future climate policies and different bioenergy applications were discussed at an Ecologic Transatlantic Riverside Chat that took place on the Potomac River in Washington DC on 10 July 2009. The event was part of the second transatlantic farmer-to-farmer exchange that brought together farmers from Germany and the US, as well as scientists and journalists with an agricultural background.

The event aimed to discuss and evaluate innovative technologies for energy generation from agricultural and forestry biomass in both countries. Also, the debate touched on possible ways to off-set industrial GHG emissions through agricultural mitigation activities in the US.

The Riverside Chat, moderated by Timo Kaphengst, specifically intended to (1) specify different approaches and visions in Germany and the US in mitigating GHG emissions on the farm level; (2) exchange views and experiences made during the trip; and (3) identify follow-up activities to deepen the relationship between the farmers from both countries and to make use of the political and practical knowledge from both sides.

The Riverside Chat was co-sponsored by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Washington DC and organised by the Ecologic Institute, the Environmental Defense Fund and the 25 x’ 25 Alliance.