In an effort to contribute to the bioenergy program of the United States, the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center (OBC) has secured land “to enable the planting of more than 1,100 acres of production-scale demonstration fields for cellulosic energy crops”. Planting is said to take place in the next 45 days. About 1,000 acres of land in Guymon, Oklahoma will be planted with switchgrass, a perennial grass which can grow on marginal land. Switchgrass does not compete as a food resource, and contains a higher energy content compared to corn ethanol. A cellulosic ethanol production facility, about less than 35 miles from the Guymon plantation, is also under construction and will use the switchgrass as its raw material. The start of plant operation is planned by 2010. According to the Noble Foundation website, “The OBC demonstration fields will provide academia and industry a unique ‘living laboratory’ to understand the production and long-term impact of bioenergy crops, as well as experiment with new production techniques and critical harvest, collection and transport methods. The fields [would also serve] as a ’living classroom’ where agricultural producers, policymakers and the general public can see and experience these crops.”..