Abstract: Described herein is a method for processing straw into an intermediate straw product. The method comprises: (a) treating straw with an alkaline solution having a p H of between about 10 and about 14, at a temperature of between about 20° C. and about 80° C., for a period of between about 6 hours and about 30 hours; (b) separating excess alkaline solution and the treated straw from each other; and (c) maintaining the treated straw in an anaerobic environment at a temperature of between about 30° C. and about 45° C., for a period of between about 6 hours and about 30 hours to produce an intermediate straw product.