Barley as a Biofuel?

One of our field day objectives was to discuss new, value added uses of small grains.  There is considerable interest in the use of barley as a potential biofuel. A plant has been built in  Hopewell,Virginia by Osage Bioenergy.  This could have impacts on the potential for barley production in Pennsylvania.  This winter, a presentation on the plant and the process was made at our Winter Crops Short Course.   However last week a press release by Osage indicated a desire to "market the company for sale. The company has also decided not to start production at its Appomattox Bio Energy ethanol plant in Hopewell, Virginia in conjunction with the sales process."  So far now, the potential of barley for bioenergy in Virginia is uncertain.  According to the release, the plant is fully functional, multi feedstock plant.