by Marc Heller (Politico Pro E&E News: The Agriculture Department said it will make an announcement on rural energy funding "soon," after Democrats likened the holdup to stealing. -- A dustup over small rural energy projects is adding to the argument that
by Brandon Peoples (Brownfield Ag News) A western Kansas farmer says sorghum can play a role in helping the Trump administration expand trade opportunities in countries like India. Amy France participated in a roundtable discussion with newly confirmed Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins earlier
(UABIO) The country aims to replace 100% of its domestic aviation fuels consumption with SAF by 2050. For the SAF platform, we prepared an article on the prospects for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the United States. The United States could reach, by
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The California Air Resources Board has altered its Low Carbon Fuel Standard several times since first implementing the historic policy framework in 2011. In November 2024, CARB adopted a new round of program amendments on
(U.S. Grains Council) the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) jointly held the 1st Corn Sustainability Strategy Session to discuss the U.S. corn industry’s plans to leverage its sustainable practices and respond to market requirements across
(Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Projects) ... Native grasses can provide habitat and improve water quality while producing biomass or forage for farmers. In Pennsylvania, there is increasing interest in growing native grasses on marginal land, on mine reclamation sites, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The presentation deck describes a program called BDO Zone Ratings, which is a standardized assessment for evaluating regions’ readiness for bio-based manufacturing. These ratings help attract investment in bio-based projects by highlighting areas with the best
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This presentation from the ABLC Connect series on Digest TV assesses the current state of feedstock and advanced agriculture, noting high demand but a shortage of sustainable, affordable, reliable, and available sources. It highlights challenges like competition,
by Rhonda Brooks (AgWeb) Farmers will need to be able to show farm records, receipts, delivery tickets, and any as-applied maps. Geo-stamp photos will also be required to prove the use of no-till and cover crops. -- The Clean Fuel Production Credit,
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) Focused on Fuels of Opportunity at the 2025 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit -- While it is easy to glance over incoming challenges, the renewable fuels industry must face those hurdles head-on and not let change deter the destination.
(U.S. Department of Energy) As part of the Energy Act of 2020 (P.L 116-260, 42 USC 16298e), Congress directed the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to deliver a report on carbon dioxide removal (CDR). To inform this report, DOE organized an Interagency
by Daniel Wu, Gaya Gupta and Anumita Kaur (Washington Post) Farmers report missing millions of dollars of funding they were promised by the U.S. Agriculture Department, despite promises from the Trump administration that a federal funding freeze would not apply
by Jon Adamy (Farm News Media/ Michigan Farm News) According to a 2023 report, emission levels from the production, dissemination, transportation, and combustion of sustainable jet fuels are roughly 75% lower than those from fossil jet fuels. -- Farm and fuel groups agree:
Can corn to ethanol be profitable with oil prices stabilized at about $80/barrel and agriculture exports falling because of tariff polices? Bob Kozak takes a serious look at this crossroad confronting the industry. In this three part series he'll detail
by Philip Brasher and Noah Wicks (Agri-Pulse) The incoming Trump administration has stopped payments to at least one major climate-smart commodities project, raising questions about whether farmers across the country will be reimbursed for practices they implemented under the $3 billion
by Kelsey Walling (Big Island Now) The by-products and waste from papayas, pineapples, coconuts, ʻulu, macadamia nuts and Albezia trees may one day be converted to fuel and energy to help lower greenhouse gas emissions. The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is collaborating with
by Zack Coleman and Marcia Brown (Politico Pro Greenwire) The directive could affect information across dozens of programs including climate-smart agriculture initiatives. -- Agriculture Department employees have been ordered to delete landing pages discussing climate change across agency websites and document climate
by Alex Gray (Successful Farming) ... For this story, we set out to directly compare the life cycle of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions — from well to wheels — of ethanol and gasoline, and how carbon pipelines factor into the future
(Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zonie Initiative) Annual Report Showcases Record Growth and Industry Milestones -- The report underscores the BDO Zone Initiative’s pivotal role in empowering communities by bridging the gap between local biomass resources and global bioenergy stakeholders. By providing communities with
by Cassidy Walter (Successful Farming) ... Last spring, the U.S. Treasury Department released guidance for the 40B Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Tax Credit, which included the creation of the USDA Climate Smart Agriculture Pilot Program. The program enabled corn farmers practicing
by Erin Schilling (Bloomberg Tax) Agency rulemaking goes quiet as Trump takes office; Clean fuel, EV charger tax credits await final rules President Donald Trump’s freezing of all pending agency rules during the first day of his administration also halted the wave of
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Midwest senators have reintroduced the Farm to Fly Act that would help accelerate the production and development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)
by Marc Heller (Politico Pro Greenwire) As the Biden administration ends, a designer of the Department of Agriculture's work on climate change says farmers want the types of incentives he helped craft. -- As an architect of the Biden administration’s work on
by Kim Chipman (Bloomberg/Yahoo! Finance) US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, in one his final acts, criticized a Biden administration assessment that the country’s key biofuel law likely has had a “modest but negative” impact on the environment. -- The US Department of
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help agricultural producers and farmers expand market opportunities and generate more revenue. USDA is making the grants available under the Value-Added Producer
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, released a roadmap to revitalize rural America today, identifying specific policy goals and actions the 119th Congress and the incoming Trump administration should take to unleash American energy dominance through the expanded use of
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) On Wednesday, 427 national and state agricultural groups and agribusinesses on Wednesday sent a letter to leaders of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee supporting Brooke Rollins' nomination as Agriculture secretary and calling on the committee
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Guidelines will facilitate the recognition of climate-smart agriculture within clean transportation fuel programs, creating new market opportunities for biofuel feedstock producers while enhancing climate benefits. WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2025 – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy released the 45ZCF-GREET model. This announcement follows the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service guidance on the Clean Fuels Production Credit (section 45Z) released on January 10,
(U.S. Department of Energy ARPA-E) Program aims to reduce need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizer in corn and sorghum crop production -- Today (January 10, 2025), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) announced $38 million for 9 projects
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is funding 586 projects to expand access to clean energy systems and increase the availability of domestic biofuels. Today, USDA is providing nearly $180 million through the Rural
(U.S. Department of Energy) New Report Underscores Importance of Continued Investment in the Rapidly Growing Biofuels Industry to Deliver Economic Opportunities and Healthier Communities to Communities Across America -- As part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda, an interagency team led by
(KRVN News) A number of projects in Nebraska have been awarded grants from the USDA under President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. The funds will be invested in biofuels and clean energy projects to lower costs. ... Among the larger awards were $1
(U.S. Department of Treasury) Guidance will help lower transportation costs for consumers and make America a leader in decarbonizing aviation industry and heavy transport -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are releasing guidance on
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Seating Members on Landmark Advisory Council Marks another Milestone in Implementation of Growing Climate Solutions Act -- Today (January 7, 2025), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 36 members to serve on the newly
by Maria Gerveni, Scott Irwin, Todd Hubbs and Steven Ramsey (farmdoc daily) ... However, there is only one feasible pathway at the present time for ramping up SAF production quickly. This is through the conversion of part, or all, of the production
by Gabriella Chavez (WUFT) Researchers in Florida are continuing to study an oilseed that could be used as aviation jet fuel. After over a decade of research, agronomists and researchers at UF/IFAS are continuing to assess the performance of carinata, basing their
(U.S. Department of Agriculture/Biobased Diesel Daily) In support of climate-smart efforts to expand renewable fuel sources, USDA’s Risk Management Agency announced Dec. 18 additional insurance options for soybeans planted behind domesticated pennycress in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee. Domesticated pennycress
(Soil and Water Outcomes Fund) The Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, a leading agricultural ecosystem services program, is proud to announce they successfully began a pilot project with Chevron Renewable Energy Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, as part
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This presentation deck outlines the USDA Rural Development (RD) initiatives to bolster the bioeconomy. It highlights RD’s key priorities, including promoting equity, combating climate change, and expanding markets for rural communities. The presentation deck details how
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden today announced that USDA will pause accepting Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) applications for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). IRA applications are those requesting federal grant
by Andrew Swanson, Shawn Arita, Joseph Cooper, and Seth Meyer (farmdoc daily) Renewable fuel policies like the national Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) have created a boom in the consumption of alternative diesels. These alternative diesels come
by Simla Tokgoz (U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service) By law, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets targets for blending renewable fuels such as ethanol with traditional transportation fuels to implement the mandates set by the Energy Independence and
(U.S. Department of Energy) A consistent definition for sustainable maritime fuel will help inform and align stakeholders and support and advance future maritime fuel technology and investment. -- To support and advance future maritime fuel technology and investment, the U.S. Department of
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget on Dec. 13 published the Fall 2024 Unified Agenda and Regulatory Plan, which outlines rulemakings and other actions under development by federal agencies related to the Renewable
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) Unleaded 88 Now Available To More Minnesotans -- Minnesota now has over 500 stations that offer Unleaded 88, providing consumers across the state with more options to save at the pump and reduce air emissions. On Nov 29, a
by Sarah Zimmerman (Agriculture Dive) A federal court overturned a 2020 rule that looked to accelerate innovation by allowing manufacturers to sidestep regulatory reviews. -- A federal court last week overturned a rule exempting genetically engineered plants from pre-market review, saying the
by Marc Heller (Politico Pro Climatewire) An important element of a forthcoming clean energy tax credit is advancing as the Biden administration runs against the clock. -- A key part of the Biden administration’s plan to connect biofuel policy to climate-smart farming
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Yeast suppliers to the ethanol sector have steadily released new and improved products to better match the needs and wants of the industry. Using third-party yeast developers capable of selecting, testing or altering strains with
(Agri-Pulse) USDA has submitted an interim final rule relating to the type of climate-smart agriculture crops used for biofuels. The rule, entitled “Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used for Biofuel Feedstocks,” was submitted Friday (December 6, 2024). No additional details
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) New deep-dive videos about the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office's (BETO's) 2023 Billion-Ton Report (BT23) are now available to help users access and apply the report findings and associated online data resources. -- New deep-dive videos
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This presentation deck outlines the USDA Rural Development (RD) initiatives to bolster the bioeconomy. It highlights RD’s key priorities, including promoting equity, combating climate change, and expanding markets for rural communities. The presentation deck details how
by Cole Martin (Argus Media) The US Department of Treasury said it still plans to issue guidance before president Joe Biden leaves office next year clarifying how refiners can qualify for a new tax credit for clean fuels. The agency "anticipates issuing
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) ARS researchers are finding innovative ways to reduce food loss and waste – from farm to table. -- The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency. Our job is finding
by Margy Eckelkamp (AgWeb) What you need to know about the 40A biofuels tax credit, 40B sustainable aviation fuel credit and 45Z clean fuel production credit -- Enacted in August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) restructured biofuels tax credits in three
by Gloria Dabek (Carbon 180) This fall, dozens of farmers, universities, non-profits, and other entities kicked off the implementation of their Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG), after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced awards earlier this year. As part of the USDA
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently reviewed the following plants modified using genetic engineering to determine whether they posed an increased plant pest risk as relative to non-modified comparator: Covercress,
by Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) Rollins runs the America First Policy Institute, which has largely stayed out of the spotlight but has made numerous proposals for the second term. -- President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has picked Brooke Rollins, a former
(U.S. Department of Energy) New Implementation Framework Identifies Key Opportunities to Increase Biofuel Production To Deliver Economic Opportunities and Healthier Communities to Rural and Agricultural Areas Across America -- An interagency team led by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S.
(White House) The global bioeconomy is projected to expand at a rapid pace in the coming decade due to advancements in key technology areas, such as the ability to program microbes to act as microscopic factories by manipulating their DNA. The
(Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry) U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) Monday introduced the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act. The bill includes $39 billion in new resources to keep farmers farming, families fed, and
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA on Nov. 14 awarded $256.56 million in loans and grants to more than 1,100 clean energy projects under the Renewable Energy for America Program. A portion of that funding will support projects at
(MIchigan Farm News/The County Press) A Michigan company will receive a $4.2 million grant from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) to increase the sale of biofuels by 2.5 million gallons per year. Fleet Fueling of Michigan LLC will use the funds
by Kim Chipman and Tarso Veloso (Bloomberg) More than 30 trade groups across the energy, farming and transport sectors say a lack of US government guidance on tax credits is putting Americans at risk of higher fuel prices. The current
(CStore Decisions) Debuts its 10th E85/E15 refueling station in Virginia. -- Sheetz is celebrating the impact of the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Biofuel Infrastructure Project Grant with the opening of its 10th E85 and E15 Biofuel station in Virginia. The Biofuel station
by Tammy Mastroberte (Convenience Store News) While not much has changed with combustible fuel over the past five years other than price fluctuations, options at the fuel island and on the forecourt are evolving. They include biofuels such as ethanol-based E15 and
(M Live) A Michigan company received a nearly $4.2 million federal grant to expand the sale and use of biodiesel and ethanol in three counties. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development this week announced $239 million in funding nationwide to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The presentation describes a program called BDO Zone Ratings, which is a standardized assessment for evaluating regions’ readiness for bio-based manufacturing. These ratings help attract investment in bio-based projects by highlighting areas with the best potential
by Mark Heller (E&E News Greenwire) ... The future of that initiative — a climate-smart incentive that’s now part of the Conservation Reserve Program — is one of many climate-focused programs around agriculture that face an uncertain future if Donald Trump
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Access to higher-level ethanol blends at gas stations across the country is expanding thanks to federally funded infrastructure incentive programs along with state-based opportunities. In 2022, the USDA announced plans to provide $50
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The American Coalition for Ethanol’s 2024 conference, themed “The Gold Standard,” featured important figures with industry impact, including representatives from Summit Carbon Solutions and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Held in Omaha, Nebraska, this year’s
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today celebrated the ongoing success of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, a historic and innovative funding opportunity that expands markets for commodities produced using climate-smart production methods. This effort is helping farmers,
by Darryl Matthews (AgWeb) There are a number of practices that can create passive income on your operation, but the level of effort and investment to implement them varies. -- ... Creating these payments requires effort and sometimes capital investments (no different
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The USDA on Oct. 15 held a third virtual listening session as part of its public consultation on climate-smart agriculture for biofuel feedstocks. During the event, representatives of the U.S. biofuel sector advocated for flexibility in
by Tim Meehan (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) How Modeling Feedback Loops Informs Analysis and Decisions Across Decarbonization Technologies -- "When you look at renewable energy, not everything is linear," said Swaroop Atnoorkar, an analyst at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) National
by Krista Swanson (National Corn Growers Association) Ethanol is a renewable transportation fuel that can be made from domestically grown corn. Over 98% of the gasoline currently sold in the United States contains ethanol, typically a blend that is 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. Autos that
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Doubling in attendance from its debut in 2023, the North American SAF Conference & Expo drew over 500 industry stakeholders to discuss progress and double down on initiatives to reach the near- and long-term goals of
by Thomas Metcalf (Fox 41) Tidewater Transportation and Terminals celebrated a milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new full-service biofuel and renewable diesel distribution facility. The facility in Pasco will play a key role in the region’s shift towards cleaner energy
(Biofuels International) The US biofuel market is experiencing dynamic growth, making canola cultivation increasingly attractive for farmers in the northern US. Their Canadian counterparts are also benefiting, because the US is a major market for both canola meal and oil. According to the
by Lydia Johnson, Steve Davies, Noah Wicks, and Rebekah Alvey (Agri-Pulse) USDA and the White House will host selected farm groups for meetings today (October 8, 2024) with government officials to discuss the Biden administration’s key ag and rural investments. The “Farmers
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA on Oct. 3 awarded $104 million in loans and grants to more than 300 clean energy projects under the Rural Energy for America Program. Projects under development at three ethanol plants were among
(US Department of Agriculture) USDA Provides Historic Investments for Working Lands through Inflation Reduction Act and Farm Bill -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today (October 2, 2024) announced up to $7.7 billion in assistance for fiscal year 2025 to help
(Biofuels International) The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) recently approved a $25 million (€23 million) investment in the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE)-led Regional Conservation Partnership Programme (RCPP) expansion. This builds on the successful South Dakota-based
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) USDA received testimony Tuesday at a public consultation on climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and biofuel feedstocks urging federal agencies to embrace book-and-claim supply chain management approaches to decouple CSA carbon credits. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said
(Office of U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)) Leads bipartisan group in demanding continued certainty ahead of looming Sept. 30 end date -- As the deadline to extend the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) rapidly approaches, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) Seth Meyer, USDA's chief economist, explained Monday at an agricultural outlook conference in Kansas City, Missouri, that he didn't want to get too deep into the weeds, but he told the audience of agribusiness leaders
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol production and demand in China are expected to increase 17% this year, according to a report filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network. Domestic ethanol production capacity in China is
by Carah Hart (Brownfield Ag News) The Deputy Secretary at USDA says U.S. farmers must be treated fairly as the Sustainable Aviation Fuel market is developed. Xochitl Torres Small tells Brownfield Brazil has an unfair advantage accessing the new SAF market in
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today (September 11, 2024), an interagency team led by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT’s) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Grand Challenge: Metrics Dashboard Fact Sheet. USDA Secretary Thomas Vilsack made
by Nicole Heslip (Brownfield Ag News) New federal grants will increase biodiesel usage along the Detroit River. -- Pete Probst with the Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition tells Brownfield most traffic on the Great Lakes St. Lawerence Seaway has to pass through the
by Christopher Vondracek (Minnesota Star Tribune) The day a farmer might look up from a field and see an airplane powered by corn ethanol is coming. At least, that’s what the attendees of the North American SAF Conference and Expo hope. The three-day,
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The American Farm Bureau Federation asked Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump about their priorities for American agriculture in a questionnaire that included their opinions on renewable fuels. Farm Bureau asked the question, “As president, would you support
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... They called it “the technology that dare not speak its name” because it was too crazy risky, when they did not call it “the technology that could not scale” between the guffaws in many board
by Craig Andres, Laura McMillan (KSN.com) The State of Kansas is taking a leap to be on the cutting edge of sustainable fuels with a new biofuel plant in southwest Kansas. Officials gathered for a groundbreaking at the SAFFiRE plant in Liberal
by Brent Barnett (Brownfield Ag News) ... Robert White with the Renewable Fuels Association says 2024 could be a record-breaking year for U.S. ethanol. “Record ethanol exports, record ethanol production, record corn grind, and that’s all during a downturn that
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have developed a way to use genetically modified baker’s yeast to prevent contamination by unwelcome bacteria in ethanol plants, one of the leading causes of plant shut downs. “These bacteria are found everywhere
by Anna Pope (KOSU) Love’s Travel Stops will put more ethanol fuel infrastructure in place and add EV charging stations to multiple locations. The Oklahoma-based company will furnish 245 E-15 dispensers, and ethanol storage tanks at 38 locations and increase the amount
by Shivam Prakash (S&P Global) China, a major demand center and driver of global agricultural markets, is actively pursuing an ambitious goal of achieving self-sufficiency in agriculture, but not without disrupting markets. The plan serves many purposes for China, primarily in achieving
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Funding from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act Will Lower Costs at the Pump and Increase American Energy Security Across the Nation -- Today (Augsut 16, 2024), on the second anniversary of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, U.S. Department
(WOWO) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant investment of $1.4 million to enhance clean energy systems and increase the availability of biofuels across Indiana. The initiative, led by USDA Rural Development, is set to benefit Hoosier farmers and agricultural producers
by Jack O'Connor (Iowa Capital Dispatch/Atlantic News Telegraph) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced over $14 million in grants for 19 projects in Iowa designed to increase availability and access to biofuels. According to the USDA press release, these grants will
(Truterra/AgNewsWire) Carbon program created specifically for dairy producers among options to help farmers adopt climate-smart practices -- Truterra, a leading agricultural sustainability business that works with farmers to help improve the environmental impact of agricultural production while working to create incremental
by Jon Doggett and Bob Dinneen (Des Moines Register/National Corn Growers Association/Renewable Fuels Association) To put it bluntly, farmers and renewable fuel industry workers who take the time to read the Project 2025 recommendations on agriculture and energy are likely to be
(Michigan Milk Producers Association) America’s lowest carbon-intensity dairy ethanol plant breaks ground in southwest Michigan, adding to the needed biofuel supply and helping lower the dairy industry’s carbon footprint. -- Today (August 6, 2024), the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) and Canadian Dairy Distillery celebrated the
(University of Maine) Millions of pounds of low-value wood, such as small diameter trees and branches, have been left behind in Maine’s forests due to the decline in pulp and paper production, stymied by drought, fire suppression and dropping demand. While
By Heather Gieseke (AgWeb) 3 tips if you are considering regenerative practices and you have the ability to deliver your crops to a biofuels plant. -- ... While there’s still a lot to figure out, it’s clear farmers who produce low-carbon fuels
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Thailand’s newly proposed National Energy Plan is expected to set a target for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) starting in 2026, according to a report filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network in
by Miranda Jeyaretnam (Bloomberg/Yahoo!) ... (Gail) Fuller is one of a growing number of farmers who are uninsured or under-insured because the industry doesn’t support switching from traditional to regenerative farming, an approach that has the potential to sequester enough carbon
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The U.S. Department of Agriculture received lots of input from biofuels groups this week on how to prove the impact of climate-smart farming practices on the greenhouse gas (GHG) net emissions estimates associated with the production of
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Clean Fuels Alliance America submitted a highly detailed, technical response to USDA’s Request for Information on climate smart agriculture practices for biofuel feedstocks. While USDA’s analysis of climate smart agriculture will have impacts beyond the §45Z Clean
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today submitted comments urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to implement the use of a “book-and-claim” accounting framework for tracking and transferring the greenhouse gas benefits of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices through the biofuels supply chain. The comments
by James Henry (AgriNews) Along with solid sales of U.S. corn and distillers grains, ethanol exports are on pace to break an all-time record. Ryan LeGrand, president and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council, shared the exciting news at the Corn Congress
by Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/South Dakota Farmer's Union) SCOTUS. Not just another Washington, D.C., acronym where everything is given an alphabetized name – USDA, DOE, EPA, DOJ, FBI, DOC – there is no end to the acronyms of our
by Olivia Messerges and Trent Ford (farmdoc daily) As the United States agricultural system faces the challenges of feeding a growing population, adapting to climate change, and reducing environmental consequences, the concept of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) was established as a comprehensive
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) During the past few years, the landscape for U.S. renewable diesel production has drastically changed, akin to the growth of ethanol and biodiesel during the past two decades. Driven by federal and state policies aimed at reducing
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Japan is working to develop standards for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) according to a report filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's Global Agricultural Information Network on July 5. The government is expecting to begin drafting
by Marc Heller (E&E News) Lawmakers are at odds over how to define climate-friendly farming. -- Lawmakers looking to use the 2024 farm bill to fight climate change are running into another complication: Not everyone agrees on what makes agriculture "climate smart." Shifting
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget on July 5 published its 2024 Unified Agenda and Regulatory Plan, which outlines rulemakings and other actions under development by various federal agencies related to the Renewable
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking public input on procedures for the quantification, reporting, and verification of the effect of climate-smart farming practices on the greenhouse gas (GHG) net emissions estimates associated with the production of
by Allen Schaeffer (Engine Technology Forum/Biobased Diesel Daily) New “technology-neutral” federal regulations are designed to drive automakers toward electric vehicles, but there is skepticism whether the U.S. will be ready or if consumers even want this. Image: Rich Kassel, AJW Inc. Fire, aim,
(UFOP/Biobased Diesel Daily) The December 2022 approval the U.S. EPA granted for rapeseed oil for use as hydrotreated biofuel feedstock has led to a sharp rise in import volumes in the ensuing year and a half. In December 2022, EPA finalized approval of
by Vivek Waghmode (ChiniMandi) The price of cassava is experiencing a rise due to increased competition from industries like ethanol production. This surge in industrial demand is creating a ripple effect, pushing up prices for everyday food items derived from cassava. A staple
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 26 Workstreams, 140 Activities and with 2030 & 2030-2050 impact timeframes — The SAF Grand Challenge is ambitious and detailed, with many US Federal agencies and one aggressive goal. In this deck, the deed for policy
by Cheyenne Kramer (AgWeb) With the adoption of sustainable farming practices on the rise, more producers may be looking at how double or relay cropping fits into their operations. Sheila Backer, assistant vice president of underwriting at Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance,
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) he U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will soon invite public comment for 60 days on a Request for Information (RFI) once published in the Federal Register. The RFI will explore options
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Representatives of the U.S. biofuels industry, including Renewable Fuels Association Vice President of Government Affairs Ed Hubbard, joined a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) policy roundtable in Vancouver, Canada recently on the sidelines of a USDA agribusiness trade mission. The U.S.
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced improvements to the camelina pilot crop insurance program for the 2025 and succeeding crop years. USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is expanding coverage options by allowing enterprise units and increasing
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA on June 26 awarded nearly $100 million in loans and grants to 473 projects under the Renewable Energy for America Program. Commonwealth Agri-Energy LLC and Redfield Energy LLC were among those selected for
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Today, Clean Fuels welcomed the Hon. Tom Vilsack, U.S. Agriculture Secretary, as he announced a Request for Information regarding climate smart ag practices for biofuel feedstocks. These practices can further lower the lifecycle carbon scores of advanced biofuels like
by John Seelmeyer (Nevada Today) University of Nevada, Reno research focuses on use of cactus pear in biofuel production; Spurred by climate change demands, three-year field trial identifies high-production varieties; Cactus pear, known scientifically as Opuntia cochenillifera, appears to have significant potential
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service on June 11 published a report discussing how the recent boom in U.S. renewable diesel production has caused market-altering shifts to both foreign and domestic feedstock trade. U.S. renewable diesel consumption has
(Growth Energy) Biofuels are leading a new wave of growth across the American industrial bioeconomy, and a new report proves it. New research commissioned by Growth Energy and other industry leaders – including ADM, POET, and Marquis Energy – shows that U.S. industrial bioeconomy
by y Bill Hagy (LEC Partners/Biofuels Digest) There are numerous federal funding resources available to support commercial-scale bioeconomy projects. The following items should be considered when identifying federal funding resource(s) available for potential project funding: Some programs are restricted to small businesses. Some
by Treena Hein (Seed World) The Intermediate Oilseed Crop Alliance (IOCA), advocates for sustainable crops such as pennycress and camelina to meet rising biofuel demands and support environmental goals. In response to the growing global and U.S. demand for significantly higher biofuel
(American Coalition for Ethanol) The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) recently approved a $25 million investment in the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE)-led Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) expansion that builds on the successful South
(NAFB News Service/Matt Kaye/Berns Bureau/American Ag Network) Sustainable Aviation Fuel tax treatment remains in limbo despite months of regulatory efforts and, most recently, a push to include the treatment of SAF crops in the House farm bill. Biofuel producers and feedstock
(U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry) U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, released the following statement after unveiling the Senate Republican-drafted framework answering the call for a farmer-focused
by Marc Heller (Politico Pro Greenwire) Biofuel groups say they expect the USDA to seek guidance on how climate-smart farming should play into the clean fuel production tax credit in 2025. -- Stung by criticism that a tax credit for sustainable aviation
by Erin Blakemore (Washington Post) The biggest changes took place around the Ogallala Aquifer, whose groundwater irrigates parts of numerous states, including Colorado, Texas and Wyoming. -- About 30 million acres of U.S. cropland have been abandoned since the 1980s, a new
by Mike McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Real Clear Energy) More and more, agriculture and renewable energy production have become inexorably linked. Solar, wind, and biofuels have created new economic potential and horizons of opportunity for American farmers in the last two decades.
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) released a Summary Report from a September 2023 Request for Information (RFI) on building supply chains to meet Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Grand Challenge goals. The SAF Grand Challenge was launched in 2021 by
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking information from the public on protocols that may be considered for inclusion in a new Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program, the main program of the
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard, a program that originated in the mid-2000s, mandates that a specific volume of certain biofuels be used each year in transportation fuel. One category of biofuels included in this mandate is biomass-based
by Leah Douglas and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) Little to no ethanol will qualify for U.S. sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) subsidies under a new pilot program by President Joe Biden's administration, which toughened climate requirements at the last minute, according to a Reuters review
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Here, Greg Jaffe, senior adviser to the Secretary of Agriculture, highlights recent actions at the USDA on behalf of the bioeconomy. Specifically, highlighting the new USDA report on building a resilient bioeconomy supply chain. What’s in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Inflation Reduction Act provides nearly $40 billion for USDA over the next 10 years to improve life and livelihoods in rural communities. Specific investments include: $19.3 billion for climate-smart agriculture on farms, ranches, and forests;
(Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Initiative) ‘A’ Rating to accelerate growth of untapped woody biomass markets -- The Conecuh County Commission and Ecostrat are pleased to announce the issue of an investment grade BDO Zone ‘A’ Rating for Woody Biomass. The Conecuh County BDO Zone is the
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The USDA’s Forest Service on May 14 awarded nearly $74 million to 171 projects through two grant programs that aim to create new markets for wood products and renewable energy from wood, and increase the capacity
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Today (May 15, 2024), 25 trade associations representing producers, feedstock providers, blenders, consumers, and retailers of low-carbon, renewable fuels sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging Treasury to finalize and publish guidance for the §45Z Clean
(Growth Energy) The letter below was submitted to the editor of the New York Times after a recent subscriber-only newsletter included debunked claims about the environmental impact of bioethanol in a piece about sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). A May 2 newsletter on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
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