With second-generation fuels and chemicals, the supply chain begins with acquiring the right feedstock. This will certainly involve making a connection with local farming communities, which will likely be the source of non-competing biomass feedstock. TTU researchers have partnered with the conservationists and soil scientist from the USDA-NRCS Area 3 Offices to involve facilitators and Upper Cumberland farmers during the early research and developmental stages of biomass pyrolysis in Middle Tennessee. Taking a participatory approach to informing ourselves on the knowledge, views and opinions of local farmers will ultimately help researchers identify the roles each entity can play in successfully establishing a local-scale sustainable biomass pyrolysis industry.