C.A.R.M.E.N. e.V., founded in July 1992, is a non profit association working in the field of biomass. Since 2001 it is part of the Competence Centre for Renewable Raw Materials in Straubing.

Since the beginning C.A.R.M.E.N. (Central Agricultural Raw Materials Marketing- and Development-Network)has co-ordinated and guided all biomass projects financially supported by the state of Bavaria. The use of state funds for renewable resources of about 170 million EUR and private funds of about the same sum has been directed by C.A.R.M.E.N. It is a close joint venture between the private and the public sector.

C.A.R.M.E.N. counts among its 70 members the Government of Bavaria, industrial and farmers associations as well as large and small companies. It is well-founded in Bavarian society but has also members throughout Germany, in France, and in Austria.

The mission of C.A.R.M.E.N. is to promote the research, study, development and use of renewable raw materials. It provides services for interested individuals as well as companies, organizations and public institutions concerning all matters of renewable resources. In this way it acts as a regional consultancy bureau (RCB) within COACH BioEnergy.