(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council worked with the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service in Vietnam to engage the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) and Ministry of Finance (MOF) to reduce most favored nation (MFN) tariffs on imported ethanol, ultimately resulting in new tariff lines that spurred
Agriculture
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) U.S. ethanol can now enter the Indonesian market by way of pre-blended fuel following the recent removal of a ban on such products entering the country. This change creates a potential market of more than 200 million gallons (71 million bushels in corn equivalent). The market
(Farm Journal Ag/Web/Pro Farmer Editors) Biofuel and farm groups see E15 and other higher blends of corn ethanol into gasoline as the strategy to increased sales, but the current structure of the Renewable Fuel Standard “does not serve to incentivize ethanol blends higher than E10,” according to a report from
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Washington Post) Americans should be thanking President Biden for allowing the continued sale of lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 this summer (letters, “No more ethanol in gas,” April 22). E15 is saving drivers as much as 30 cents per gallon, cutting the typical U.S. household’s annual fuel bill by
(Growth Energy) The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia today (April 25, 2022) approved a consent decree agreement between Growth Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that requires EPA to finalize its 2020-2022 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) by no later than June 3rd. The consent decree follows
by Mark Heller (E&E News) The House Agriculture panel’s top Republican said he thought a revised “Growing Climate Solutions Act” was on the way to passage — until it wasn’t. — The top Republican on the House Agriculture Committee said a bill to bolster carbon sequestration in farming seemed to be
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Funding Will Add 40 million Gallons of Biofuels to the Market Annually — United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is awarding a $1.6 million biofuel infrastructure grant to Royal Farms to expand the availability of higher-blend renewable biofuels
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Rural Partners Network is a new collaboration to strengthen the link between federal agencies and rural communities. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is proud to join this effort to help create jobs, build infrastructure, and ensure that federal resources benefit rural America. DOE
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today’s corn ethanol now provides nearly three times the energy used to produce it, according to a new analysis by the Renewable Fuels Association, with some biorefineries approaching a four-to-one energy ratio. This continuing improvement in energy balance reflects improved efficiencies in corn production and ethanol processing. “Our nation’s corn
(U.S. Department of Agriculture/Ethanol Producer Magazine) On April 12, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced steps the USDA is taking to implement President Biden’s plan to enable energy independence by boosting homegrown biofuels. “President Biden understands that by expanding our ability to meet our energy needs with homegrown biofuels, we can ensure a more
(NJB Magazine) U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director, Jane Asselta, has announced the agency is investing $340,000 in infrastructure and to help expand the use of renewable fuels in New Jersey. Due to these grants, the amount of ethanol sold is projected to increase by 162,715 gallons. “Rural
by Jacqui Fatka (Farm Progress) … It is hard to predict the demand picture under the expanded E15 scenario, but lower estimates of a continued status quo indicate at least 300 million gallons of additional ethanol could be used by consumers with the year-round use of E15. “But (if you
by Jenna Hoffman (Farm Journal/AgWeb) Vilsack says concerns over inflated food costs due to increased E15 consumption can be put to rest — any grocery price hike is not coming from E15 because “there’s plenty of corn here.” — Corn chatter has stretched across The Hill in recent weeks, as USDA
(Missouri Department of Agriculture) Funds will generate more capacity for biofuels in Missouri. — The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) announced it has invested more than $2 million in projects that increase the distribution and use of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel in the State of Missouri. Expenses incurred
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Two years ago ethanol producers were in the middle of the worst downturn in the industry’s history as the new COVID-19 pandemic put the country at a standstill and production dropped by 50 percent in a month. Under the CARES Act, $700 million was approved to help
by Justin McPherson (Advanced Biofuels USA) The 2022 ABCL conference, held March 16 – 18 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC, brought together many different companies, organizations, and ‘ordinary’ people from a variety of different backgrounds, all with their own nuanced approach to the world of renewable fuels. The
(Carbon 180) By focusing on our soils, the US can radically transform the agriculture sector’s relationship to climate change. Yet today’s efforts to promote healthy soils are deeply fragmented. The Soil Carbon Moonshot is a five-year proposal for a coordinated, interagency program to establish the foundational science, tools, and projects
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ABLC’s theme of “Dawn of Net Zero” and hundreds of delegates from organizations all over the world grappling with the immense opportunities and supply chain challenges posed by the world’s rapid turn towards charting a path toward a post-fossil society. After hearing from leaders
(U.S. Forest Service/Biomass Magazine) Overgrown forests are one of the key contributing factors to the current wildfire crisis in the West. The new Forest Service strategy on Confronting the Wildfire Crisis outlines the agency’s plan for increasing fuels and forest health treatments to create healthier forests and reduce the risk to communities. Forest Service science
by Savannah Bertrand (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Every gallon of gasoline sold in the United States contains toxic chemicals called aromatic hydrocarbons—mainly mixtures of BTEX chemicals, which stands for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene—that increase octane. Higher octane levels prevent engines from prematurely combusting, or knocking, which can damage the engine and make
by Cristel Zoebisch (Carbon 180) One giant leap for soil carbon – Farmers and ranchers play a central role in the health of our climate and planet. Today, they face more and more pressure from climate change, and one solution — soil carbon sequestration — has the potential to radically transform their
by Tammy Klein (Transport Energy Strategies) On this episode of the Fueling the Future podcast, I spoke with Dr. Dev Shrestha of the University of Idaho about the recent paper he co-authored, “Biofuel Impact on Food Prices Index and Land Use Change.” The paper found, among other things that short term food price
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) With oil reaching its highest price in nearly 11 years and OPEC nations opting not to increase production, the biofuels industry is clamoring for attention in the U.S. and calling on the Biden administration to support it. At the National Farmers Union annual meeting this
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Pictures worth 1000 words show the prices on March 1 at a Sheetz in Virginia. Compare the E10 Regular to E15 Unleaded 88 and E85 FlexFuel. Compare those to the price of E0 — no ethanol gasoline. The message is clear. Higher ethanol blends
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) … Erik Huschitt with Badger State Ethanol in Monroe, Wisconsin tells Brownfield America had the one-pound waiver approved by the prior administration, “And then, we have a change in the Supreme Court level that doesn’t acknowledge that change, and so here we are now all
(U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry) Today, U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack asking the administration to take a meaningful step in addressing the climate crisis by increasing federal investments in

(Center for Seafood Solutions at Bigelow Laboratory) Discuss topics relating to seagrass and seaweed research in your region. About this event Facilitated by USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and the Center for Seafood Solutions at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, this working group will prepare a report that identifies gaps in
(University of Maryland Eastern Shore) AgDiscovery is a unique opportunity for students to explore agricultural sciences and gain knowledge about careers in animal and plant disciplines, wildlife management, veterinary medicine, biotechnology, entomology, food safety, food production, agribusiness, forestry, and much more. Students experience hands-on learning workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, laboratory and
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) A new report published today (February 14, 2022) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences, funded in part by the National Wildlife Federation, purports to examine the “environmental outcomes” of the Renewable Fuel Standard. In keeping with their previous “research” on biofuels
by Jeff Overton (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) During transportation day at COPO26, the focus for the aviation sector was setting targets and commitments for aviation emissions reduction, as well as the announcement of plans and strategies for lowering aviation’s climate impact. This final article in our series on sustainable aviation fuel
by Jeff Overton (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) … The Biden-Harris Administration and Congress are focusing on expanding the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through multi-agency coordination to reduce climate emissions from aviation…. … On September 9, 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration unveiled the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge (the Grand Challenge)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Dairies, landfills, wastewater treatment plants, food processing plants…wherever there’s biomass, there’s potential for biogas and renewable natural gas. Check out this illuminating slide guide from William Orts at the USDA Western Regional Research Center in Albany, CA on biorefineries based on MSW and ag-derived biomass
by Philip Brasher (Agri-Pulse) Farmers who plant cover crops will be eligible for crop insurance premium subsidies worth $5 an acre for the second year in a row. To qualify for the payments from USDA, farmers must report their cover crop acreage to the Farm Service by March 15. Last year, USDA made
(Renewable Fuels Association) According to a pair of new statistical reports released today by the Renewable Fuels Association, U.S. exports of ethanol and distillers grains showed resilience in 2021 as the global economy continued to confront the COVID pandemic and supply chain challenges. The annual reports—now in their eighth year—provide industry advocates, policymakers, news media
(Solutions from the Land) Solutions from the Land (SfL) wholeheartedly endorses Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, a new USDA program announced today by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. “This exciting new program provides another opportunity and pathway to enable farmers, ranchers, forest landowners and other producers to implement climate smart systems and
RFA Supports EPA’s Proposed 2022 RFS Volumes, Urges Agency to Abandon Retroactive Cut to 2020 Volume
(Renewable Fuels Association) In comments submitted today (February 4, 2022) to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Renewable Fuels Association expressed strong support for the agency’s proposed 2022 renewable volume obligations (RVO) while opposing the proposed retroactive reduction of the previously finalized 2020 RVO requirements. In early December, EPA published its proposal to set
(Solutions from the Land) Members of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry held a hearing with key USDA officials Wednesday that marks an important first step in the development of a 2023 Farm Bill that can be crafted to give farmers, ranchers and forestland owners the best opportunity to

More than 30 sessions and 100 agriculture leaders and subject matter experts will discuss key issues impacting the sector: USDA’s initial forecast for the agricultural economy, commodity markets, and trade in 2022 and discuss U.S. farm income situation Food prices outlook and farm income Supply chain disruptions and impacts of
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) A dozen Minnesota soybean and biodiesel industry leaders had the opportunity to attend the recent National Biodiesel Conference on behalf of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council’s (MSR&PC) See For Yourself (SFY) program. The SFY Program was originally created as an evaluation to ensure checkoff dollars were being used effectively
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service is amending its program offering $700 million in COVID-19 aid to biofuel producers by allowing production to meet marketing obligations or fulfill or maintain essential markets to be included in the calculations of a biofuel producer’s market losses as a
(Global Methane Initiative) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, on behalf of the Global Methane Initiative (GMI), developed the Anaerobic Digestion (AD) Screening Tool to assist stakeholders in assessing the potential feasibility of an AD project. The AD Screening Tool enables users to conduct pre-feasibility analyses to evaluate AD opportunities for a
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack discussed the important role biofuels and biobased manufacturing play in the rural economy and highlighted the agency’s efforts to support those industries during a Jan. 20 hearing held by the House Agriculture Committee. In his opening statement, Vilsack focused on the
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Funding Will Help People in Particularly Underserved Rural Communities Cut Energy Costs, Increase Energy Resiliency and Address Climate Change — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Department is making up to $10 million available to help people living in rural
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network illustrates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canada’s ethanol industry and provides an overview of the country’s draft Clean Fuel Standard. Canadian ethanol production fell to an eight year low
(Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship/Biobased Diesel Daily) Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced Jan. 11 that the winners of the 2022 Renewable Fuels Marketing Awards are Danlee Corp. and Casey’s General Stores. The awards were created to recognize fuel marketers that have gone above and beyond in
by Tyne Morgan (Farm Journal AgWeb) The Biden Administration is ramping up its efforts to deploy clean energy infrastructure across the country. The White House announced this week plans to utilize public lands and rural America for wind, solar and other clean energy projects, but admits it will be a balance to ensure
by Chuck Abbott (Successful Farming) With automakers shifting toward the production of electric cars and trucks, the ethanol industry said on Wednesday that biofuels will be an important tool against global warming, and arguably create less pollution than battery-powered vehicles. The comparison was based on life-cycle costs for the power sources,
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters/Investing.com) The U.S. biofuel blending program known as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) could see its most transformative year yet in 2022, as the Biden Administration must make decisions to reset statutes that mandate U.S. renewable fuel blending. … Refiners that do not blend the biofuels can
by Chuck Hassebrook, David Laird and Jill Euken (The Gazette) … That pathway is the Pyrolysis-Biochar-Bioenergy Platform, which produces biofuel and biochar by heating crop residue, grass, wood or other forms of biomass in the absence of oxygen. Biochar is a form of charcoal that lasts hundreds to thousands of years
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) … While the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit expired at the end of 2021, it still provides fuel marketers the ability to claim a tax credit for 30 percent of the cost, up to $30,000, for fueling equipment for E85 and other alternatives
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Fuel ethanol consumption in Japan is expected to reach 823 million liters (217.41 million gallons) in 2021, down from 850 million liters in 2020, according to a report filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network in late December. Japan currently has
by Jay Stowe (GE Aviation/Biobased Diesel Daily) After leading USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack on a tour of the engine development assembly facility at GE Aviation’s headquarters in Evendale, Ohio, in early December, chief engineer Chris Lorence posed a rhetorical question to the reporters assembled for a news conference: “What does the
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) empowers energy companies and aviation stakeholders by supporting advances in research, development, and demonstration to overcome barriers for widespread deployment of low-carbon sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF made from renewable biomass and waste resources have the potential to deliver the performance of
(Agri-Pulse)1. Saving the planet by saving the soil: Can cover crops fulfill their promise? 2. Making cover crops pay off: what it takes to cover the cost 3. Cover crops as cash crops: Farmers angle to profit off the practice 4. Direct checks could ignite cover crop surge; crop insurance may play role, too
by Amy Mayer (Agri-Pulse) A minor oilseed may be poised to take on a larger role as climate-smart policies emphasize low carbon fuels and the soil health benefits of cover crops. Camelina is seen by some as a cover crop that recoups a farmer’s investment because it can be harvested instead
by Angely Mercado (Popular Science) … Just this month, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced a plan to provide more than $100 million for basic research and tech development to produce biofuels, biomaterials, and bioproducts. Biofuels are liquid fuels produced from renewable sources, such as used vegetable oils and animal fats, and can

EPA is hosting a virtual public workshop on biofuel greenhouse gas (GHG) modeling February 28 – March 1, 2022. This is a virtual meeting and open to the public. The purpose of this workshop is to solicit information on the current scientific understanding of greenhouse gas modeling of land-based crop biofuels
by Mark E. Griffin (University of Wisconsin–Madison) University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers have demonstrated a new process for transforming a plentiful Wisconsin waste into fatty acids, energy-rich molecules that can be used to make fuels and a wide range of important chemicals. … Researchers at UW–Madison’s Wisconsin Energy Institute have published
Moving Emerging Tech and Rural Development Forward: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA RBCS
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) loan guarantees, grants, and technical assistance support the bioeconomy and rural economic development, so what are some of these programs? What are some of the biogas and biobased programs and where can you find more information on programs available to
(Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA/Federal Register)This Notice is to invite applications under the Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) for fiscal year (FY) 2022, subject to availability of funding. This Notice is being issued in order to allow applicants enough time to leverage financing, prepare and submit their applications, and give the Agency
(Argus Media) Australia’s federal government will implement new fuel standards for gasoline from 1 January 2022, which may significantly raise the ethanol blend rate in the country and boost demand for imports. Under the new fuel quality standard, Australia aims to reduce maximum aromatics content in the gasoline pool to 35pc
by David Pitt (Associated Press) The Trump administration overpaid corn farmers by about $3 billion in federal aid in 2019 and farmers in the South were paid more for the same crops than those elsewhere in the country, a federal watchdog agency has found. The Government Accountability Office said in
by Susanne Retka Schill (Great Plains Institute) As US and world leaders engage on climate change and carbon reduction efforts, leaders in the American ethanol industry have announced pledges and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The country’s largest ethanol producer, POET LLC, and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA),
by Karen Braun (Reuters) Grain and oilseed markets in 2021 proved just as exciting as in 2020 with prices hitting multiyear highs on shrinking stockpiles. Whether those prices sustain or relax in 2022 will be partially guided by some of the industry mainstays. Unforeseeable events pop up every year, but market
by Sean Pratt (Western Producer) Analysts generally concur that the burgeoning renewable diesel industry will result in exploding demand for soybean oil through 2030. But there is one notable exception. The United States Department of Agriculture is forecasting static soybean oil demand from the renewable fuel sector after 2022, at about 12 billion
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) This program authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments to U.S.-based producers of advanced, cellulosic, or conventional biofuel, biomass-based diesel, or renewable fuel to offset unexpected market losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. NOTE: For the purposes of this program, eligible biofuel is defined as
by Mike Bunge (KIMT3) A new ethanol plant is planned for construction near Mason City. New Energy Blue says the biomass refinery would be on a 155-acre site and convert 275,000 tons of cornstalks and wheat straw into 20 million gallons of ethanol and 95 tons of lignin, a solid biofuel and natural
by Puneet Dwivedi (University of Georgia/U.S. Department of Agriculture) … Carinata (Brassica Carinata), also known as Ethiopian mustard, is an oilseed crop that can be grown across the southern U.S. during winter months. The oil obtained from crushed carinata seeds can be refined to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This could
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Everyone talks about “moving the needle” on jobs, decarbonization and social justice, but how do you tackle all 3 at once? Check out Ecostrat’s slide guide from ABLC in San Francisco on what BDO Zones are, how the BDO Zone Initiative helps accelerate biobased investments
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its announcement today of $700 million to provide COVID-19 pandemic aid for our nation’s biofuel producers. Originally announced in June, the aid package represents direct payments available for biofuel producers who faced unexpected market losses due to the pandemic,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA on Dec. 3 awarded a combined $3.1 million to eight recipients under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Inventive Program. HBIIP aims to increase the sales and use of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel by expanding renewable fuels infrastructure. The HBIIP awards were announced
by Spencer Chase (Agri-Pulse) The Department of Agriculture plans to distribute some $633 million in loans and grants aimed at bolstering rural power infrastructure and making higher blends of biofuels more available to consumers. All told, the funding will be split among 791 projects in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The
by Stephanie Kelly and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The Biden administration is expected to propose expanding the kinds of renewable fuel production processes that are eligible to receive credits under the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard program, three sources familiar with the matter said. The move could help increase production of advanced biofuels,
by : Richard J. Brenner, Wes Jurey and Todd Campbell (Agricultural Technology Innovation Partnership) Introduction. The ATIP Foundation (Agricultural Technology Innovation Partnership) conducts projects in multi-county regions of 3 states to “advance the rural bioeconomy,” using a replicable model we developed based on the industry-cluster model of Michael Porter at Harvard
(U.S. Department of Energy) The first United Airlines passenger flight to fly using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will depart today from Chicago O’Hare International Airport at 1 p.m. ET and will arrive at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport at 4 p.m. ET. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO)
(American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) During its Nov. 10 meeting, the American Coalition for Ethanol board of directors voted to support new policies that credit farmers and ethanol producers for activities helping ethanol reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by mid-century. THE RESOLUTION: The ACE Board of Directors supports the
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) … One approach to making soy jet fuel relies on the use of a precious metal called ruthenium to catalyze reactions that chemically modify the structure and properties of the oil’s unsaturated fatty acids. The problem with this approach is that it generates too few aromatic compounds,
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Updated Nov. 22, 2021 to indicate that applications will receive priority points for advancing key priorities under the Biden-Harris Administration. The * denotes new or updated information since the original announcement. USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson … announced that the department is
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) On the day last week that the Environmental Protection Agency proposed extending the deadlines for refiners to comply with Renewable Fuel Standard volume obligations, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack told farm broadcasters that the biofuels industry can expect “certainty” from the Biden EPA. Answering a question about what role
(U.S. Grains Council/GrainNet) Earlier this month, the U.S. Grain Council (USGC) conducted an ethanol trade mission to Brussels and London to attend a global biofuels conference and followup on E10 deployment in the United Kingdom (UK). Brian Healy, USGC’s director of global ethanol market development; Isabelle Ausdal, USGC manager of ethanol trade policy and economics; USGC’s Middle East and Africa
(Solutions from the Land) To develop climate solutions that strengthen rural America, USDA is partnering with agriculture and forestry interests, as well as with rural communities, to finance the deployment of climate-smart farming and forestry practices to aid in the marketing of climate-smart agricultural commodities. Under the Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) One of the speakers on the second day of the Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition’s Global Biobased Economy Conference & Exhibit, noted that 5 years ago the bioeconomy was like an old truck stuck in the mud. The driver could get out and try
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Investment, Climate smart agriculture. Incentives. Markets. These are words heard repeatedly at the opening sessions of the Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition Global Biobased Economy Conference & Exhibit this week near Washington, DC. The first day of the conference was the US Department of
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Increasing the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) is one component of the U.S. Aviation Climate Action Plan unveiled on Nov. 9 by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at the UN Climate Change Conference. The U.S. Aviation Climate Action Plan sets a goal to
by Jennifer Nichols (Atlantic News Telegraph) … (Congressman Cindy) Axne, along with USDA’s Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small visited Elite Octane Tuesday morning, and said the bill includes $2 billion for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to provide grants to farmers and small
by Cassie Mullen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) … Retailers will need to soon make major decisions about replacement, and there has never been a better time to replace or upgrade, thanks to a number of state and federal programs that can help defray the cost. We covered some of these
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked a bipartisan group of seven Midwestern governors for their efforts to explore what actions can be taken to allow the year-round sale of E15 in their states. In a letter sent to EPA Administrator Michael Regan today, the governors seek guidance from the agency
(AgriLife Today) West Texas farmers dealing with high-salinity water and limited irrigation need an alternative crop, such as canola, that’s adaptable to harsh conditions. Texas A&M AgriLife research will soon evaluate the potential for canola as an alternative crop amid the region’s marginal water sources and extended periods of dry weather. Canola
by Karen Braun (Reuters) U.S. corn-based ethanol production over the last year or so has been more of a drag than a support on grain markets as demand and world economies continue to claw back from the coronavirus slump. Now, with global energy prices at seven-year highs and gasoline consumption
(Good News Network) Replacing petroleum-based aviation fuel with a sustainable alternative derived from a type of mustard plant can reduce carbon emissions by up to 68%, according to new research from a University of Georgia scientist. Puneet Dwivedi led a team that studied the break-even price and lifetime carbon emissions
by Marc Heller (E&E News) Making tractors burn with less pollution has long posed a trade-off: cleaner air, but less power to drag heavy equipment. Now manufacturers say they’re making strides to help close the gap. The latest entrant is a biomethane- and electric-powered tractor from the AUGA Group, a Lithuanian organic
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With the recent announcement of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge, the U.S. Department of Energy’s BETO shared this slide guide on their sustainable aviation fuel strategy, featuring BETO Director, Dr. Valerie Sarisky-Reed, and Zia Haq, BETO Senior Analyst. From types of SAF feedstocks to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Whether you are using novel crops, residues, developing supply-chains, or developing new feedstocks for the bioeconomy, this is an exclusive Digest slide guide you won’t want to miss! Straight from our recent State of the Sector presentation at ABLC CONNECT. READ MORE
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that it is seeking public comments on a new initiative designed to create revenue streams for agricultural producers through market opportunities for commodities produced using climate-smart practices. “Through extreme weather, drought and fire, our agriculture producers are on
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Significantly increasing the use of low-carbon renewable fuels like ethanol follows along different tracks. Legislatively, for example, there’s the bipartisan Clean Fuels Vehicle Act of 2021, which would provide incentives for automakers to build more flex-fuel vehicles that can run on higher blends like
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today an investment of more than $146 million in sustainable agricultural research projects aimed at improving a robust, resilient, climate-smart food and agricultural system. This investment is made under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Sustainable
(Biofuels Central) Two studies conducted by Transport Energy Strategies (TES) and THiggins Energy Consulting show that gasoline blended with ethanol lowers carbon intensity (CI) even more than what is modeled and what is shown in recent studies. A key finding in both studies is that blended ethanol not only displaces some
by Sean Pratt (Western Producer) Corn is the top feedstock for China’s ethanol sector, followed by rice, cassava and wheat. The country’s production plants are expected to consume 4.07 million tonnes of corn in 2021. — Country has unofficially abandoned its national E10 mandate plan, which would have had a major
(Solutions from the Land) … Those who advocate for no- and low-carbon fuels and other energy solutions come from across political parties – Democrats and Republicans – and from all along the spectrum of partisan views – from liberals to conservatives. The spread of support across the aisle comes at a
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) … The agency announced on Wednesday plans to tap funds from the Commodity Credit Corp. as part of what USDA calls a “comprehensive investment package.” The $3 billion package is aimed at supporting drought resilience and response, animal disease prevention, market disruption relief and purchase
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) USDA is making this funding available under the Rural Business Development Grant program for eligible entities to support business opportunity and enterprise projects in rural communities. Eligible entities are rural towns, communities, state agencies, authorities, nonprofits, federally recognized tribes, public institutions of higher education and non-profit cooperatives.
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest nearly $75 million for 15 partner-led projects to address natural resource concerns on private lands. This year, projects funded by the Regional Conservation Partnership Program’s (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA) focus on climate-smart agriculture and forestry and other conservation
by Sean Pratt (The Western Producer) China’s ethanol consumption continues to fall well short of the government’s 10 percent blend mandate. The blend rate in 2021 is forecast at 2.1 percent, according to a recent report by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service. China declared in 2017 that it was
(Honeywell/PR Newswire) – Wood’s hydrogen plant technology coupled with Honeywell UOP EcofiningTM process technology and carbon capture and storage can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions 100% when compared to petroleum-based aviation fuels – Widespread use of Honeywell and Wood technologies have potential to remove the equivalent of 34 million metric tons
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Accelerating deployment of sustainable aviation fuel – it’s the talk of the town this past week and here to share the latest on project financing for SAF is project finance expert Mark Riedy. From what debt project financing is to how commercial projects can be
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) During an appearance before the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and Agri-Pulse Ag Outlook Forum Monday, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack addressed concerns about the proposed tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel that it might leave out corn and soybean feedstocks. Agri-Pulse editor and president Sara Wyant asked the secretary
by Laís Forti Thomaz and Cacia Pimentel (Estadão) O que a nova iniciativa dos Estados Unidos e a Organização Internacional da Aviação Civil (ICAO) podem representar para o Brasil? O governo dos Estados Unidos realizou uma reunião com integrantes de toda a cadeia produtiva do setor de combustíveis de aviação para
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that USDA will begin accepting applications on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, to expand the production of advanced biofuels. USDA will make $7 million available under the Advanced Biofuel Payment
by Tom (KOWA Radio) A key Senate ethanol backer says the Biden EPA’s threat to lower 2020 biofuel volume requirements on top of rumored cuts to levels for this year and next, would severely damage biofuel and corn producers. Senate Ag Republican Chuck Grassley of Iowa says any move to further
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) About $700 million designed to help biofuels producers is still on the way three months after the USDA made the announcement to help producers hurt by the COVID-19 economic shutdown. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack told reporters Thursday the proposal still is being reviewed
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Projects Will Support Climate-Smart Solutions to Lower Energy Costs in 48 States and Puerto Rico — U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Department is investing $464 million to build or improve renewable energy infrastructure (PDF, 631 KB) and to help rural communities, agricultural producers
(U.S. Department of Energy) Projects align with administration’s new goal of decarbonizing the aviation sector by 2050 – – As part of a White House roundtable to launch the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Grand Challenge to decarbonize the aviation sector by 2050, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $64.7 million in funding for projects focused on producing cost-effective, low-carbon biofuels. These investments will advance technologies to create replacements for petroleum fuels used in heavy-duty forms of transportation, like airplanes and
(White House) New Actions Aim to Produce Three Billion Gallons of Sustainable Fuel, Reduce Aviation Emissions by 20% by 2030, and Grow Good-Paying, Union Jobs — Today (September 9, 2021), President Biden is taking steps to coordinate leadership and innovation across the federal government, aircraft manufacturers, airlines, fuel producers, airports, and
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, on Aug. 24 introduced a bill that aims to establish a research, development and demonstration program for a commercially viable fuel cell system that uses biofuels as the main fuel source. The bill, titled the Biofuel Cell Research Act, or H.R.
Auburn-Led Research Team Develops Biochemical Breakthrough for Renewable Fatty Acid Ester Production
by Jeremy Henderson (Auburn University) On-going, Auburn-led research into biofuel and biochemical production just got a lot more eyes on it. Supported by a $2 million U.S. Department of Energy award issued in 2018, as well as funding from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, insights from the
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) During a town hall style webinar with Farm Journal Editor Clinton Griffiths last week, USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said payments for biofuels producers impacted by the pandemic could come in the very near future. “We made the decision to put resources into the biofuel industry and I
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bunge, REG and Bayer helped CoverCress raise a total of $22 million including $8 million in Series B in 2021. What does that mean for this low carbon cash cover crop and for growers? What is their commercial track? How are the harvest and oil
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) The USDA announced Aug. 19 that it is investing $26 million in biofuels infrastructure under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program to help expand the availability of higher blends of biofuels, such as B50 blends of biodiesel, by 822 million gallons in 23 states. Among
(Farm and Dairy) An Ohio company received a chunk of $26 million given out through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. Cincinnati-based United Dairy Farmers Inc. was awarded $634,000 to expand ethanol sales at its convenience stores and gas stations. Grants were awarded in 23 states, including Ohio. The projects
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The government of Colombia has delayed plans to reinstate its E10 blend mandate until January 2022. The blend mandate will be set at E6 in September, October and November, increasing to E8 in December. Last spring, the Colombian government temporary reduced its ethanol blend mandate from E10
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting State Director for Rural Development Kansas Dan Fischer today announced that USDA is investing $5.19 million to build infrastructure to expand the availability of higher-blend renewable biofuels through three projects in Kansas. USDA is making the awards under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Projects Will Increase Availability of Biofuels by 822 Million Gallons Annually — Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $26 million to build infrastructure to expand the availability of higher-blend renewable biofuels (PDF, 177 KB) by 822
by Mike Bunge (KIMT) New Energy Blue says the biomass refinery would be on a 155-acre site and convert 275,000 tons of cornstalks and wheat straw into 20 million gallons of ethanol and 95 tons of lignin, a solid biofuel and natural binder. “Our Iowa project can keep one million tons of
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) The president will sign an executive order to make half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 “zero-emission” vehicles, including battery, fuel-cell and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The executive order also will set new long-term fuel-efficiency and emission standards “to save consumers money, cut pollution,
(Solutions from the Land) The talk among policy makers in Washington to promote a market in which farmers, ranchers and forestland owners can be fiscally rewarded for their efforts to retain carbon in their soil has excited many. The prospect for additional revenue sources is alluring for a high-risk sector whose
(U.S. Grains Council) The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) brought members together in person Wednesday for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, launching its summer annual meeting in Des Moines, Iowa, and online through a virtual meeting platform. Joining for his first in-person meeting since taking on his role
by Michael Sterenberg (Columbia Climate School State of the Planet) The Scenic Hudson Soil Lab is a rather unassuming structure. Sitting atop a hemp farm within New York’s Hudson River Valley, the lab is unadorned, and no bigger than a roadside diner. The inconspicuousness of the site, however, belies the importance
by Helena Bottemiller Evich (Politico) Green groups are calling for USDA to set standards so there’s more clarity in the rapidly changing market. — Agricultural carbon credit programs are cropping up left and right, but the standards they adhere to are all over the map, according to a major new report
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that the department is accepting applications for loan guarantees and grants for renewable energy systems; and to make energy efficiency improvements, conduct energy audits and provide development assistance. Funds are being made available under the
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Beyond transportation fuel, ethanol could contribute to greener electricity. From large-scale power generation to support the grid to small and decentralized applications that provide renewable energy for remote electric vehicle charging. Electrification may just be part of ethanol’s future—and not necessarily in competition
by Bob Kozak (Atlantic Biomass/Biofuels Digest) Dear President Biden, For someone who says competition is the key to American economic success, “A fair, open, and competitive marketplace has long been a cornerstone of the American economy, while excessive market concentration threatens basic economic liberties, democratic accountability, and the welfare of workers,
by Angelica Y. Yang (MSN/Business World) THE ENERGY Department’s revised guidelines on biofuel accreditation will help the Philippines reduce its fuel consumption by 80 million liters while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the foreign agriculture unit of US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said. “(We) believe the revised measure has the potential to

This is the FIRST AFCC Global Biobased Economy Conference! The conference will focus on promoting the USDA’s BioPreferred® Program* throughout this two-day conference and exhibition. To kick off the event there will be a reception on Sunday evening, November 14, 2021 from 5:30 -7:00 p.m., included in the registration of
by Matthew Choi (Politico’s Morning Energy) The agriculture industry is anxiously waiting to see how the Biden administration intends to enlist more producers to adopt climate-friendly farm practices. But even as corporations are eager to buy offsets from farmers who pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere — and Washington
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Biden administration has signaled its intent to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to develop post-2022 Renewable Fuel Standard regulations before the end of 2021. A proposed rule to set annual RFS renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2021 and 2022 is expected to be
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor participated in the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy hearing titled “Renewable Energy – Growth and Opportunities for our Rural Economies”. In the hearing, Skor spoke on biofuels’ ability to drive economic growth using data from a
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy and Kim Chipman (Bloomberg/Yahoo!) The Biden administration is developing targets for biofuel that are likely to be relatively flat or even lower as it seeks to balance the interests of blue-collar refining workers and advance a clean-energy agenda. The Environmental Protection Agency is set to propose renewable
by Jacqui Fatka (Farm Progress) USDA announces latest COVID aid for biofuels, dairy farmers and processors, livestock farmers and contract growers of poultry. — As part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, USDA announced additional aid to agricultural producers and businesses within 60 days to include support to timber harvesters,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Members of the House Biofuels Caucus sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on June 9 urging the USDA to provide COVID-19 relief to biofuels producers under the agency’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers program. Former President Donald Trump on Dec. 27, 2020, signed the Consolidated
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Twenty-two members of the House biofuels caucus asked U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to help the ethanol and biodiesel industries following the COVID-19 economic shutdown that led to reductions in biofuels production. In a letter to Vilsack on Wednesday, the lawmakers said producers need
by Carey L. Biron (Reuters) … Many of the families were poor but rich in land, offering an opportunity today for those who still own property, said Alton Perry, a former U.S. government forester who works as program manager with the Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention (SFLR) project. … Through
by Jan tenBensel (Nebraska Ethanol Board/Lincoln Journal/Star) Addressing Ron Todd-Meyer’s Local View (“Change. It’s what’s for dinner,” May 25), ethanol checks many boxes for environmental goals. While we wait for electric vehicles to become affordable and infrastructure to be built, America’s ethanol industry is ready now to address our nation’s
(Renewable Fuels Association) A pair of recent studies examining purported cropland expansion in the Midwest are based on a flawed methodology that “suffers from accuracy and certainty issues,” according to a new review of the studies by researchers at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. In reviewing studies by Zhang et al. and Lark et al., the SIUE
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is investing up to $15 million to support the development of new tools, approaches, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. CIG partners use creative
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) A new report commissioned by Farm Journal Foundation finds U.S. farmers have the potential to significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and become part of the global solution to climate change. U.S. agriculture contributes about 10% of the total greenhouse gas emissions of the entire national economy,
(Aemetis/Globe Newswire) Finalizing Grant for “Valorizing Forest Waste for Cellulosic Ethanol Production” to Extract Sugars from Waste Forest and Orchard Wood Using Ionic Liquids Technology Licensed Exclusively to Aemetis from DOE-Funded Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) — Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX), a renewable natural gas and renewable fuels company focused on negative
Growth Energy Submits RVO Comments to Debunk Anti-ethanol Study
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Yesterday, Growth Energy submitted supplemental comments to the U.S. EPA responding to erroneous comments from others on the environmental, economic, and compliance impacts of EPA’s proposed 2020, 2021, and 2022 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Growth Energy’s supplemental comments are in addition to its