by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry on Nov. 15 continued its work to develop the 2023 Farm Bill with a hearing focused on rural development and energy programs. The Higher Blends Infrastructure
(FERN's Ag Insider/Successful Farming) The EPA should increase the advanced biofuels share of the fuel market by 1 billion gallons a year to reflect the land rush into renewable diesel production, said the trade group Clean Fuels America Alliance on
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) The relatively new organization, Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition, held their second annual conference November 6-8 just outside of Washington, DC. One benefit of this organization and conference is that they recognize the reality
by Meredith Lee Hill (Politico Pro) A likely Republican takeover of the House and possibly the Senate is threatening Biden’s agriculture-focused climate agenda he plans to tout at COP27. -- President Joe Biden will take to the stage on Friday at
(Clean Fuels Foundati0n) The Environmental Science Program hosted the Clean Fuels Sustainability Workshop Nov. 1-2 in St. Louis. It focused on a number of policy, energy, environmental and economic issues impacting the biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel industries.
(Renewable Fuels Association) Testimony, Comments Provided to Treasury, IRS, USDA -- In separate comments and testimony to the U.S. Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Renewable Fuels Association laid out the ethanol industry’s priorities
(GrainNet) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Growth Energy agreed under their consent decree to delay by two weeks the issuance of the proposed 2023 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). EPA is now required
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA has announced it will host a virtual listening session on Nov. 3 that focuses, in part, on Section 22003 of the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides $500 million in biofuels infrastructure funding. A
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Japanese government is seeking public comments on a draft policy to promote decarbonization in the aviation industry. The policy, in part, would require flights to be carbon neutral by 2050 and require airlines to
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Starting now, the U.S. EPA—with input from other agencies—will have new guideposts and increased interpretive authority for determining the annual renewable volume obligations of the RFS. -- Starting in 2023, the Renewable Fuel Standard’s
(Strategic Biofuels/Business Wire) Standardized requirements will be instrumental for environmental credits enabling commercialization of forestry waste-derived renewable fuels -- Today (October 12, 2022), the U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, awarded Strategic Biofuels a cooperative agreement under
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to invest $8 million to support and expand monitoring of carbon in soil on working agricultural lands as well as assess how climate-smart practices are affecting carbon sequestration. This is
by Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton (B&C Biobased and Sustainable Chemicals Blog) The Congressional Research Service (CRS) published a CRS report, updated on September 19, 2022, entitled The Bioeconomy: A Primer. The report provides an overview of the bioeconomy, details
Under the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP), USDA is making $500 million in grants available to increase American-made fertilizer production to spur competition and combat price hikes on U.S. farmers. Competitive grants of up to $100 million are available to
Under the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP), USDA is making $500 million in grants available to increase American-made fertilizer production to spur competition and combat price hikes on U.S. farmers. Competitive grants of up to $100 million are available to
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) New Grant Program Will Spur Competition and Help U.S. Farmers Address Rising Costs -- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Biden-Harris Administration is making $500 million in grants available to increase
(Renewable Fuels Association) When Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) that authorized the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), annual volume requirements were specified through the year 2022 for renewable fuels. But that does not mean this year
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Grand Challenge is the result of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other federal government agencies working together to develop a
by Scott Neuman (NPR) ... The government's conservation programs are meant to bolster farmers' response to climate change, as (Iowa farmer Robb) Ewoldt and others like him are forced to confront worsening droughts on the one hand, and unprecedented rainfall and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) News has arrived from Washington that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing up to $2.8 billion in 70 projects under the first pool of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding opportunity. It’s become the US Department of Action,
(Gevo) Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has selected Gevo’s Climate-Smart Farm to Flight proposal for funding with an award ceiling of up to $30 million. Gevo’s project was one of the 70
(Solutions from the Land) ... SfL’s vision for how farmers can bring agricultural solutions to climate challenges has begun to be realized by yesterday’s announcement by Secretary Vilsack that USDA is investing up to $2.8 billion in 70 Partnerships for Climate
by Jasmin Melvin (S&P Global) E15 solution for Midwest states coming: Regan; Biofuel group pushes for nationwide action; Lays out industry priorities for next RFS rulemaking -- A promise by US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan to lift a summertime ban on
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency intends to finalize a rule before next summer to allow the year-round sale of gasoline blended with a higher level of ethanol in several states, EPA Administrator Michael Regan said on Tuesday. The
(Agri-Pulse) This week’s Open Mic guest is House Ag Ranking Member Glenn “GT” Thompson. At last week's Farm Progress Show, Thompson offered thoughts on crafting a 2023 farm bill including an opportunity to chair the committee if the GOP wins
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) These slides were presented by Digest editor Jim Lane as part of the ABLC CONNECT episode on Feedstocks and the Bioeconomy Supply-Chain. Here, we explore the available volumes, prices, and distribution of key existing feedstock
by Bob Larson (Ag Information Network/Washington State Farm Bureau Report) ... The same week California announced it will end the sale of new liquid-fueled vehicles in 2035, a heat wave forced a power emergency and a request that consumers reduce
by Cindy Zimmerman (AgWired) Ethanol was in the spotlight at the Farm Progress Show in Iowa this week and the Renewable Fuels Association was there to promote the high octane benefits of the fuel and the role of biofuels and farming in combating climate change. RFA
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visited the Farm Progress Show in Iowa Tuesday, the first time he has visited the show since 2012. Vilsack used the occasion to talk about some recent accomplishments, including expanding rural broadband, conservation and biofuel
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Fuel ethanol consumption in Canada is expected to grow by approximately 8.6 percent this year, according to a report filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network. Imports of U.S. fuel ethanol
by Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Year-round E15 and the RFS 'set' are top priorities for Growth Energy heading into it its annual D.C. fly-in this September. 2023 is the first year required volumes of renewable fuel are not
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today it will invest $25 million this year for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials program. Through CIG, partners work to address our nation's water quality, water quantity,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA is scheduled to open a new $100 million, 90-day application window for the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program on Aug. 23, according to a document published in the Federal Register on Aug. 22. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest)... Some years ago, the RIPE team went down the rabbit hole of transforming photosynthesis,”harnessing the sun to help the feed the world,” on the noble theory that if plants are more efficient, we’ll have more
by Brady Dennis (Washington Post) ... On the agriculture side, the legislation would pour nearly $20 billion of additional funding in existing federal conservation programs that incentivize farmers and ranchers to embrace a range of climate-friendly practices, including planting cover
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative ) There’s more attention on SAF now than ever before. There’s also a lot going on in the SAF space from near-term commercialization, policy pushes, feedstock development, pathway approvals, airline, airport and business aviation engagement,
(Greater Commercial Lending/PR Newswire) New Rise Renewables Reno Deploys Breakthrough Technology to Turn Renewable Feedstocks into Diesel that Burns Clean; Project Funded by USDA-Guaranteed Loans Arranged by Greater Commercial Lending -- One of the country's most advanced renewable fuel plants will
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) As clean energy supporters across the globe celebrate World Biofuels Day, today seemed like the perfect occasion to reflect on two recent RFA journeys to Asia focused on extending the global reach of the U.S.
In U.S., more than one-third of all available food goes uneaten through loss or waste. Public and private organizations are creating solutions to address food loss and waste throughout the food system – from farm to table. On September 14, 2022, from 10
(U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service) Yeasts play a key role in converting ("fermenting") sugars from plants into ethanol fuel. But not all yeasts are created equal. Some are better fermenters than others because they can tolerate the harsh conditions
by Philip Brasher (Agri-Pulse) Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced an agreement with Sen. Joe Manchin on a narrow reconciliation bill that would provide $369 billion in climate-related provisions, including more than $20 billion for farm bill conservation assistance and additional incentives
by Danessa Rivera (The Philippine Star) The country’s biofuel consumption is expected to continue to recover this year on the back of economic growth, as well as the increase in ethanol and biodiesel demand, according to the United States Department
(U.S. Embassy in Manila) The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) signed on July 19 a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to facilitate the exchange of expert knowledge, technical information, and best practices related to the biofuels industry
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Congress continued to focus on the 2023 Farm Bill. The House Agriculture Committee held hearings on the forestry title of the bill and the state of credit for young, beginning, and underserved producers . We are tracking the
by Doug Sombke (South Dakota Farmers Union/Argus Leader/Governors' Biofuels Coalition) President Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia to beg for more oil seems unnecessary to us — he could have saved himself a long trip by coming to see what is being
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) From Minnesota to Nebraska, discussions around performance-based fuel standards are bringing a broad range of stakeholders together. Progress requires coalition building and compromise. Movement towards state clean fuel standards in the Midwest inspired by
(Seeking Alpha) • The inflationary forces that are currently at work in the U.S. economy will continue to cause much higher prices for many commodities, including corn. Corn is a primary feedstock for ethanol producers and as its price rises,
by Jenna Hoffman (AgWeb) The Biden administration’s initiatives to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 are well underway. New year-over-year data shows ag is playing its climate smart part in multiple ways. According to the USDA, 2020 farming activities in the
by Jenna Hoffman (AgWeb) U.S. House Agriculture Committee is seeking feedback on the previous Farm Bill in preparation for the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), House Ag republican leader, says farm bill feedback is “critical” with 2023 Farm Bill
by David Kramer (Physics Today) Technological immaturity, falling oil prices, overoptimistic investors, and regulatory uncertainty are blamed for the failure of a promising biofuel technology to perform as hoped. -- Despite a decade and a half of big US federal investments
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) A member of the House Agriculture Committee wants to strengthen the energy title in the next farm bill. Iowa Republican Randy Feenstra tells Brownfield there are so many opportunities for biofuel production and use in Title
USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) invites the public to participate in an informational webinar for the FY 2022 Bioproduct Pilot Program (BPP). The BPP, which is authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is a new funding
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for a new pilot program created under President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the development of biobased products that have lower carbon
by Theresa Lieb (Green Biz) ... From my conversations with farmers in Minnesota and many other practitioners over the past months, three pockets of work ask for more attention: independent and data-driven technical assistance, program alignment and standardization and supply chain
by Ben Lilliston (Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy) When the United States and European Union signed the Global Methane Pledge in September 2021, it shined a bright light on the urgent need to slash emissions of this potent, short-lived greenhouse
(Alto Ingredients) Alto Ingredients, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALTO), a leading producer and distributor of specialty alcohols and essential ingredients, announced today that it has received a $22.7 million cash grant from the USDA’s Biofuel Producer Program. The Program was created as part
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on June 23 issued a memorandum to the U.S. Forest Service directing the agency to take bold actions to restore forests, improve resilience, and address the climate crisis. The memorandum, in part,
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) ... Growth Energy’s comments focused on the calculation of biofuel GHG emissions. “The proposed rule would require many public companies to calculate and disclose GHG emissions from throughout their entire supply chain and production cycle,” Growth Energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The commercialization of emerging tech, the production of biofuels, renewable chemicals and biobased products – these are some of the things the USDA Rural Business Cooperative Service is working on. Find out about their Guaranteed
(Ripon Advance News Service) U.S. Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA) joined U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and their Iowa Republican colleagues in urging the Biden administration to address two ongoing rulemaking processes that could end production of bio-oil,
by Tyler Pager (Washington Post) Biden vented to aides after an ethanol announcement designed to ease gas prices, questioning the policy’s effectiveness -- President Biden seemed upbeat when he visited an Iowa biofuels plant in April to talk about bringing down
by Chuck Abbott (Successful Farming) The House could vote as early as next week on an omnibus bill that would allow summertime sale of E15, create a special investigator’s office at the USDA to enforce fair-play laws in meatpacking, and
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Japan on April 22 launched a public-private partnership that aims to facilitate the introduction of an international competitive supply chain for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), according to a report filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural
(Red Rock Biofuels/Business Wire) Award funds Red Rock Biofuels Holdings, Inc. (“Red Rock”) to Convert Post-Fire Charred Waste Woody Biomass to Sustainable Aviation Fuel & Renewable Diesel -- Red Rock is pleased to announce that it has received a Wood Innovations
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA on May 23 opened a 30-day public comment period on a proposed consent decree related to a legal challenge filed against the agency by Growth Energy that would require the EPA to issue
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A report published by the USDA’s Office of Chief Economist in May assesses the future market opportunities and challenges for E15 and higher blends of ethanol, including a discussion of technical, regulatory, consumer acceptance, and
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, D.C., June 30, 2022 is the last day to sign up for the 2022 Census of Agriculture which is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them and is
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) It was June 15, 2021 when Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced additional aid to agricultural producers and businesses as part of the USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, which included $700 billion for biofuels producers, for losses incurred in
by Kelly Davis (Renewable Fuels Association) On May 24, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee (REEEAC) held its last Charter 6 meeting. REEEAC advises the Secretary of Commerce regarding the development and administration of programs and policies
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) On May 20, the Washington Times published a guest column by Jerry Jung, founder of the group “ReThink Ethanol,” in which he demonstrates a complete misunderstanding of the very federal policy he seeks to “rethink.” We
by Noah Wicks (Agri-Pulse) China’s push to achieve self-sufficiency, which has incentivized the nation to purchase, and even steal, agricultural assets in other countries, could present risks to the economic and national security of the United States, warns a report by the
(Growth Energy) Following settlement discussions with Growth Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to file a notice in the Federal Register on Monday seeking comment on a proposed judicial consent decree that would require EPA to propose the 2023 Renewable
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA on May 10 announced it received more than 450 proposals for large-scale projects under its new Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program. The agency is accepting proposals for smaller-scale projects through June 10. The USDA
(Carbon 180) Carbon removal startups working across tech and agriculture have penned two letters calling for the Senate and House Appropriations Committees to increase support for both geologic storage (the final resting place for carbon collected via direct air capture and BECCS)
(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
(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
by C. Boyden Gray (Real Clean Energy) ... I’s also one of the most cost-effective green energy solutions available. This is because ethanol is the world’s cheapest and cleanest source of octane. High octane fuels made with ethanol are not only
(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
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
(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 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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
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
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
(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
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.
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
(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,
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
(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
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
(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
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
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
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
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 --
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
(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
(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
(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
(U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service) Sweet sorghum is best known for the amber-colored syrup that's made from its juices. Now, this hardy member of the grass family could also be tapped as a "home-grown" resource for making a renewable
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
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.
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
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
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
(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
(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
(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
(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
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
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
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
(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
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
(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
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
(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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
(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
(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
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
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,
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
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
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
(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
(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
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
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
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
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
(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
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
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
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
(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
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 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
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
.jpg)
