Moore County, North Carolina has been issued a BDO Zone 'A' rating for woody biomass, becoming the first community in the state to receive the designation.
The rating, announced jointly by the Moore County Economic Development Partnership, Ecostrat and the BDO Zone Initiative, covers a zone rated for 925,000 bone dry tonnes per year of low-risk woody biomass across a 75-mile drive radius centred on Robbins, North Carolina.
The 'A' rating signals high prospective viability of feedstock supply and infrastructure in the zone, alongside low expectations of default risk.
Around 87 per cent of standing forest volume in the region sits on privately owned forestland, supporting stable procurement, and the area's forest base is sustainably managed.
A well-established loblolly pine base underpins a strong pulpwood supply, while a diversified feedstock mix of pulpwood, forest residues and sawmill residues gives prospective bio-projects a sizable supply foundation.
The rating also points to Iron Horse Industrial Park as a well-positioned anchor site for development. The 73-acre heavy-industrial parcel sits on NC 211 East in Aberdeen, 3.3 miles from US-1, with electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater and short-line rail service already in place.
Connectivity to the I-95 corridor, integration with regional forestry operations and mill networks, and the funded widening of NC Highway 211 further strengthen the county's positioning for biobased industrial investment.
Natalie Hawkins, President of the Moore County Economic Development Partnership, said the rating reflects work the county has long recognised. "We're honoured that Moore County is the first community in North Carolina to receive a BDO Zone Rating. Being first in the state is a distinction we don't take lightly, and it puts Moore County at the forefront of North Carolina's growing bioeconomy.
"This rating confirms what we've long known: Moore County has the feedstock, the infrastructure, and the site readiness to support serious bio-based investment. The Iron Horse Industrial Park is primed for development, and we see this rating as a strong signal to developers and investors evaluating low-risk, high-viability locations in the Sandhills region."
Jordan Solomon, Chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative, highlighted the depth of the feedstock supply as a key differentiator. "What stands out about Moore County is the depth and diversity of the supply; pulpwood, forest residues and sawmill residues all in play, backed by a forest base that's growing faster than it's being harvested. Paired with a rail-served site on NC 211 and just several minutes from US-1, this is a compelling location for any developer's next project."
