Page 122 - Biorefinery 2030 Future Prospects for the Bioeconomy (2015)

90 4 Prospects for the Bazancourt-Pomacle Biorefinery Between Now and 2030

In this context, the Bazancourt-Pomacle biorefinery currently has three principal
avenues to explore: the development of experimental farming capacity,
strengthening of its ability to attract agro-industry, and support for farming
regeneration.

3.1 The Idea of an Experimental Farm

Actors in the Reims Champagne Ardenne region envisage the creation of an
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experimental farm, which might require an investment of several million euros.
It could be located on the land vacated by the closure of the air force base (BA 112)
less than ten kilometres from Reims and 15 km from Bazancourt and the
biorefinery. Of a total of 540 ha, 160 ha are agricultural land (c.f. Fig. 4.1) that
could be used for an experimental farm. This project is still being studied, but was
announced in April 2014 as a credible working proposition.

DIAGRAM OF EXPROPRIATION OF FARMING LAND FROM THE FORMER BA112 AIRBASE

PERIMETER OF THE FORMER BA112
AIRBASE
FARMING LAND

Fig. 4.1 BA 112: 160 ha of land usable for an experimental farm (Source: Reims Metropolitan
Council, Department of Development)

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Marne Department Chamber of Agriculture (2014) draft report of a feasibility study for an
experimental agro-technological platform north of Reims on the BA 112 site.