Research, Policy, Industry, and Innovation
9-11 June, 2026, State College, PA
About the Conference:
Anaerobic digestion on the farm has experienced a surge of interest and activity, owing to a variety of factors such as technology developments, public support, and increased awareness of its potential for energy production, rural livelihoods, ecosystem services, nutrient management, and other impacts. As the science, technology, and policy develop in this space, new understanding is emerging as to the benefits vs. drawbacks, real vs. perceived opportunities, and strategies for the next generation of successful implementation.
Join us for this second conference where research developments, industry trends, policy opportunities, and community impacts and perceptions are explored. This event builds on the successful first AD on the Farm conference held in Ames Iowa in 2024, and serves as a national forum for sharing new findings, networking, and developing understanding of this dynamic and complex opportunity for farms and farmers. The four-fold theme for the conference is Research, Policy, Industry and Innovation:
- Research: Unpack and assess the scientific and technology breakthroughs that are expanding our knowledge of the principles and uses of anaerobic digestion.
- Policy: Discuss the incentive and regulatory structures that shape the feasibility of biogas on the farm – both in the present and in the future.
- Industry: Examine the trends and opportunities for growth in the anaerobic digestion sector, while building your network of contacts for upcoming innovative projects.
- Innovation: Explore the opportunities for new approaches, new systems, and new strategies to use anaerobic digestion throughout the nation and world.
What to Expect:
The purpose of the conference is to engage stakeholders by providing a forum for networking and information exchange on anaerobic digestion in agriculture. We will discuss both the issues and the potential solutions for the various challenges facing the planning, creation, and operation of on-farm AD facilities. Expect a wide range of perspectives to be represented at the conference, including those of industry, researchers, community, and government/NGOs.
The conference will include insightful keynote presentations, thought-provoking panel discussions, poster sessions and presentations, industry displays, and an ongoing series of beneficial exchanges of experience and viewpoints.
Tours:
An optional technical tour is planned for the first day of the conference, consisting of visits to operational farm digesters that are employing a variety of approaches to make Anaerobic Digestion work well with their farms.
Who Should Attend?
This conference is designed to be a confluence of the many fields of expertise that are critical for successful anaerobic digestion. Scientists, Farmers, Project Developers, Financiers, Policy Developers, Regulators, Digester Operators, Students, and Community Developers are all encouraged to attend. While the location of the conference is in the Eastern United States, the content is expected to be valuable and relevant to stakeholders from throughout North America and beyond.
What can you expect to gain from this conference? This depends on your specific background and needs. For example:
- Project Developers: Develop your network with professionals in the AD field, learn about upcoming trends in technology and policy that will be shaping the future of anaerobic digestion.
- Farmers: Learn how to successfully establish, finance, upgrade, and run your digester. Share and learn insights and tips on how to turn your digester into a profitable feature of your farm’s overall operations.
- Researchers: Learn about new developments in the science of Anaerobic Digestion, and emerging needs and opportunities for research.
- Government/NGOs: Learn about how digesters can potentially fit into your community and organization, and build your network of experts to partner with on upcoming initiatives.
- Financiers: Gain an understanding of how digestion works, as well as economic opportunities and risks associated with this technology.
- Policy Developers: Learn how regulations and incentives can shape the future of anaerobic digestion, impacting day to day operations and viability of these systems.
- Digester Operators: Deepen your understanding of how digesters operate and how to keep them running at their peak performance. Build your network of contacts who can help with digester operations.
Keynote Speakers:
The keynote speaker lineup is currently being finalized, and will be posted early in 2026.
Present a Poster or Propose a Presentation:
Are you doing research on Anaerobic Digestion, or do you have a new approach, program, or concept that you would like to share? If so, you are encouraged to submit a proposal online at https://forms.gle/dQ9WFhQcoe5i4pnk6. Abstracts/Titles are due no later than 01 February, 2026.
Poster Competition for Students: Student research posters will be evaluated by a team of judges, with cash prizes for the top entries. Please be certain to select “Student Poster” when submitting your poster title so that it will be entered in the competition.
Meeting Venue:
The conference will be held at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College, PA. This beautiful conference facility is adjacent to the Penn State University main campus, in close reach of the regions many charming attractions. A hotel block has been reserved for attendees – access using the following link: https://reservations.travelclick.com/9877123?groupID=5030132
The State College Regional Airport (SCE) offers daily flights connecting through Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. Amtrak provides train service stopping nearby in Tyrone and Lewistown PA.
Registration:
Registration will open in early 2026 – please check back for updates or contact Daniel Ciolkosz at dec109@psu.edu to be placed on the list for receiving announcements.
Sponsorship:
Companies and organizations are encouraged to consider sponsoring this conference – several levels of sponsorship are available to suit the interest and needs of the sponsor. Additional details will be available shortly – please check back.
Program Committee: Heather Dziedzic (American Biogas Council), Lara Fowler (Penn State U), Heather Karsten (Penn State U), Stephanie Lansing (U Maryland), Mark Mba-Wright (Iowa State U), Maggie Norton (Iowa St U), Lauren Ray (Cornell U), Jayne Sebright (Ctr for Dairy Excellence), Andy Van Loocke (Iowa State U)