by Damian Paletta and Caitlin Dewey (Washington Post) The U.S. Agriculture Department on Tuesday plans to announce a $12 billion package of emergency aid for farmers caught in the midst of President Trump’s escalating trade war, two people briefed on the
Agricultural Policy
Back TO HOMESix Transformations Needed to Achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Major Report Launched
(International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis) The World in 2050 (TWI2050) initiative has launched a new report, setting out six key transformations that will enable the world to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The transformations presented in the report, Transformations to
July 23, 2018 Read Full Article
MaREI Secure €4.4 Million to Support Ireland’s Indigenous Biomass and Bioenergy Industry
(Science Foundation Ireland) ... The Spoke research teams will collaborate in developing technologies capable of converting a wide variety of residues and by-products to homogenous energy carriers and optimising performance of internal combustion engines using advanced fuels including biofuel blends. The Spoke
July 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Saying ‘No’ to Palm Oil Would Likely Displace, Not Halt Biodiversity Loss – IUCN report
(IUCN) Banning palm oil would most likely increase the production of other oil crops to meet demand for oil, displacing rather than halting the significant global biodiversity losses caused by palm oil, warned an IUCN report published today (June 26, 2018). The
July 11, 2018 Read Full Article
North America Climate Smart Agricultural Alliance Launches Website
(North America Climate Smart Agricultural Alliance) The North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance (NASCAA) has launched a new website. The new online hub, which can be reached at www.NACSAA.net, was announced June 25 during a webinar of the Alliance's steering
July 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuels and the Environment: Second Triennial Report to Congress
(Environmental Protection Agency) This report is the second of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) triennial reports to Congress required under the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA). EISA Section 204 calls for EPA to report to Congress on the environmental
July 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump Administration Appoints New Biomass R&D TAC Members
by Helena Taveres Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, D.C., the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee has appointed several new volunteers from industry, academia, nonprofits, and local government to the TAC which advises the federal government about its bioenergy R&D programs. These
July 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Senate Overwhelmingly Passes Sweeping Farm Bill, Setting up Fight with House
by Caitlin Dewey and Erica Werner (Washington Post) The Senate passed its version of the $428 billion farm bill Thursday, setting up a bitter fight against the House over food stamps, farm subsidies and conservation funding. The Senate measure passed in an
June 29, 2018 Read Full Article
West Fargo Farm Rally Will Try to Capture Part of Trump's Spotlight
by Patrick Springer (West Fargo Pioneer) ... "It's not a protest against President Trump," said Pam Musland, marketing and communication supervisor for the North Dakota Farmers Union. "Our hope is to grab some media attention with all the media in town"
June 27, 2018 Read Full Article
Midwest Trump Voters Losing Faith in His Commitment to Biofuels
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) New polling shows that voters across three Midwestern states are disappointed with Trump administration decisions they view as broken promises of support for local agriculture and renewable fuels industries. In a survey of voters in Iowa, Missouri and
June 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Government Wants to Ease Process of Purchasing Ethanol, Says Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
(Financial Express/PTI) Just like crude oil is treated as basic raw material for making petrol and diesel, Pradhan wanted ethanol to be given the same treatment -- Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has promised to ease the process of purchasing sugarcane-extracted ethanol for
June 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Senate Ag Committee Restores 2018 Farm Bill Energy Title Funding
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On June 13, the Senate ag committee approved the its version of the 2018 Farm Bill with bipartisan support. The legislation includes an amendment offered by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., that restores mandatory funding to Farm
June 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Senators Hope to Reap Farm Bill Amendments
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Senate Agriculture Committee will take up amendments to the farm bill today, but negotiations were still ongoing as to just which of 186 submitted would get a vote. Here are a few energy highlights
June 13, 2018 Read Full Article
EU Farmers Boss: DG Agri ‘Not Properly Consulted’ in Biofuels Talks
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EURACTIV.com) EU farmers are “quite worried” about the fact that the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG Agri) is often disregarded when it comes to policy decisions that have a direct impact on the farming
June 12, 2018 Read Full Article
California 2030 Natural and Working Lands Climate Change Implementation Plan Concept Paper
(California Air Resources Board | California Environmental Protection Agency California Department of Food and Agriculture | California Natural Resources Agency) This Concept Paper provides a proposed outline for the California Natural and Working Lands Climate Change Implementation Plan with the aim of
June 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Senate Farm Bill Expands Reach of Energy Title, But Provides Little Funding
by Jesse Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On Friday, June 8, the Senate Agriculture Committee released the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. In contrast to the GOP-only bill that has advanced in the House, the bipartisan Senate farm bill refrains from eliminating
June 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Sen. Tina Smith Tells Senate Agriculture Committee Leaders that Farm Bill Energy Programs Are Key to Reviving Lagging Farm Economy
(Office of Senator Tina Smith (D-MN)) Senator Leads Bipartisan Push for Strong Funding and Focus on Energy As Senate Begins Work on Farm Bill in Coming Days -- As the Senate prepares to begin work on the 2018 Farm Bill, U.S Senator
June 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump’s Support Wavering in Farm Country Over Ethanol, Trade Moves
by Alan Bjerga and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) EPA chief seen as betraying Trump’s promises on biofuels; Trade tensions put demand for agricultural goods at risk -- Even as Donald Trump tweets his support for U.S. agriculture, farmer loyalty for the president looks like it’s starting
June 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Govt Set to Announce Rs8,000 Crore Plan to Bail out Sugarcane Farmers
(Live Mint) The move comes close on the heels of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s defeat in the Kairana Lok Sabha bypolls in Uttar Pradesh last week where dues to farmers were a major issue -- In a move to help sugar
June 05, 2018 Read Full Article
A Bio-Based, Reuse Economy Can Feed the World and Save the Planet – UN Agency
(UN News) Transforming pineapple skins into product packaging or using potato peels for fuel may sound far-fetched, but such innovations are gaining traction as it becomes clear that an economy based on cultivation and use of biomass can help tackle pollution and
May 28, 2018 Read Full Article
Farm Bill Energy Programs Have Earned Bipartisan Support
by Brent Erickson (The Hill/Biotechnology Innovation Organization) Since 2002, the farm bill has contained an energy title, with cost-effective programs that support private investment in renewable energy, biobased manufacturing and energy efficiency. The programs are extremely successful in helping businesses create
May 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Munzlinger Says Missouri Biodiesel Announcement Highlights Value-Added Agriculture (AUDIO)
by Brian Hauswirth (MissouriNet) The Missouri Senate Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee chairman is praising Governor Eric Greitens (R) for releasing the $4 million budget restriction on biodiesel. ... Chairman Munzlinger tells Missourinet the governor’s announcement is big for his sprawling
May 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Farm Bill to Get Second Vote in US House in June: Roll Call
(CNBC/Reuters) The U.S. House of Representatives will vote for a second time on a massive farm bill after the measure was defeated last week, according to a report. The vote on the $867 billion bill will be held on June
May 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Farm Bill Rejection Sinks In: House Ag Leaders Look for New Path Forward After Farm Bill Defeated
by Jerry Hagstrom and Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The cheers and jeers were all over the spectrum Friday after the House of Representatives failed to pass its version of the farm bill following a raucous debate this week. ... The bill went
May 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Biotechies Riding Herd on Biofuel Policy Uncertainties
by Mikkel Pates (Agweek) Ag technology promoters are pedaling hard for biofuels-friendly policies in Washington, D.C., to make life livable for cash-strapped farmers supplying markets that didn't exist 30 years ago. Erick Lutt, director of industrial and environmental policy for Biotechnology
May 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuel Policy Adds to Agricultural Market Uncertainty
by Pat Westhoff (Columbia Tribune) ... Biofuel policy decisions also have the potential to have large impacts on commodity markets and farm income. Most cars in this country run on a blend of 90 percent gasoline and 10 percent ethanol. At current gasoline
May 18, 2018 Read Full Article
A Proposed Rule by the Agricultural Marketing Service: National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard COMMENTS DUE 7/3/18
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) A recent amendment to the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 requires the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to establish the national mandatory bioengineered (BE) food disclosure standard. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing a new rule that
May 15, 2018 Read Full Article
UNFCCC Ag Work Program Approval Affirms Old Adage: 'World is Run by Those who Show Up'
by Ernie Shea (Solutions from the Land/25 x '25) Over the past 10 years, Solutions from the Land (SfL) and 25x'25, our clean energy platform, has been supporting a group of knowledgeable, experienced and visionary farmers, ranchers and foresters who have
May 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Pelosi Visits Central Iowa Farm, Warns RFS under Attack
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) California Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi — the top-ranking Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives — toured a central Iowa farm early this morning. Pelosi’s visit follows her speech last (Sunday) night at a fundraiser for Polk
May 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Certification Schemes Are Holding Back True Sustainability, Says Report
by Niamh Michail (Food Navigator) Many certification schemes are blocking true sustainability by watering down standards in order to get stakeholders on board and even providing 'green cover' for firms that are destroying the environment, according to a report. READ MORE
May 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Focus Growing on Win-Win Soil Health Outcomes
(Solutions from the Land) U.S. agricultural producers have long understood that healthy soil is a critical requirement for the production of our nation's food supply. They also know that as the world's population grows by more than 25 percent over the
May 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Nitin Gadkari Grants Permission to Bajaj, TVS to Make Bio-Ethanol Vehicles Using Rice and Wheat Straw
(News 18) Gadkari suggested that institutions engaged in agricultural research take up topics such as biofuel to reduce dependency on oil imports. -- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that his ministry has accorded permission to automakers Bajaj and TVS for making vehicles
May 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Debate over the RFS Is Playing out on the Political Stage: The Public Discussion Rarely Considers American Consumers.
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Biofuels Digest) The biofuels industry found itself in an unusual position for much of the past 12 months. Typically confined to debates in the trade press, biofuels-related headlines are now splashed across the mainstream media. It’s new
May 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Indonesian Oil Palm Smallholders Sue State over Subsidy to Biofuel Producers
(South Africa Today/Mongabay) -A union of palm oil smallholders is challenging the allocation of a billion-dollar fund that they say fails to help them rejuvenate their low-yielding oil palms and instead unfairly subsidizes large biofuel producers. -Only 1 percent of the
April 27, 2018 Read Full Article
Ag Policy Blog -- NFU Opposes House Version of Farm Bil
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) In another blow to support for the House version of the farm bill, the National Farmers Union's board of directors early Wednesday passed a unanimous resolution to oppose the bill as it cleared the
April 26, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA Announces Biomass from Managed Forests Will Be Considered Carbon Neutral
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Georgia, in a meeting with members of the forestry community, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency announced the Agency issued a statement of policy making clear, that future regulatory actions on biomass from managed forests will
April 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Perdue's Strong First Year at USDA May Be Clouded by Ethanol Doubts
by Chuck Abbott (Successful Farming) ... In May 2017, during his (Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue) first month as secretary, he created the post of undersecretary for trade, a longtime goal of farm groups, as part of redrawing USDA’s organizational chart. ... If Perdue
April 20, 2018 Read Full Article
House Committee Passes 2018 Farm Bill
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... In a statement, House Ranking Member Collin Peterson, D-Minn., criticized the legislation, calling it “a flawed bill that is the result of a bad nontransparent process.” Cuts to Energy Title programs are among
April 20, 2018 Read Full Article
McConnell Introduces the Hemp Farming Act of 2018
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On April 12, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., introduced the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, bipartisan legislation that aims to legalize and clearly define hemp as an agricultural commodity and remove it from the list
April 18, 2018 Read Full Article
EIB’s Agriculture and Bioeconomy Programme Loan under Juncker Plan Will Support Close to EUR 1bn of Private Investment across Europe
(European Investment Bank) New financing initiative targets investments by private cooperatives and companies in the agriculture and bioeconomy sector; The EIB financing will amount to EUR 400m and is expected to back close to EUR 1bn of investment across Europe; Agreement is guaranteed
April 18, 2018 Read Full Article
King Tells Iowa RFA: “I Want Ethanol sold TO, THROUGH, and BEYOND the E15 Blend.”
(4-Traders) Congressman King Pledges Continued Biofuel Support to Iowa Renewable Fuels Association -- Congressman Steve King, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after meeting today with members of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. During their meeting, Congressman
April 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Draft 2018 Farm Bill Reauthorizes Energy Title Programs
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On April 12, House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, released a draft of the 2018 Farm Bill, officially titled the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018. The legislation reauthorizes many bioenergy-related programs, but
April 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump Administration Weighs High-Ethanol Fuel Waiver to Placate Farmers
by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice (Reuters) The Trump administration is considering allowing the sale of a higher ethanol fuel blend in the summer, a source familiar with the issue said, a move that would placate corn growers worried about the
April 12, 2018 Read Full Article
“Brexit Is the Impetus to Reinvigorate”: The Advanced Bioeconomy, Resilience, and a New Role for the Commonwealth?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) delegates will hear quite a bit about blockchain, gene editing and about proteins for the food chain and as an advanced material. There’s a mighty focus around the Commonwealth
April 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump to Put Biofuel Reform Push on Ice, for Now: Sources
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The Trump administration will delay any moves to reform the nation’s biofuel policy for about three months, according to three sources briefed on the matter - a decision one of the sources said was meant to shield
April 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump Ethanol Moves May Be Worse for Farmers Than Soy Tariff
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Change to biofuel mandate may mean destruction of corn demand; Growers already dealing with trade concerns, crop gluts -- Based on his own back-of-the-envelope calculations, Minnesota farmer Kirby Hettver could lose tens of thousands of dollars of earnings because
April 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Rural Issues Growing Jobs and Rural Economies: The Farm Bill’s Energy Title
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Since their inception in the 2002 Farm Bill, Energy Title (Title IX) programs have helped farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and rural communities generate thousands of jobs and millions in economic development. The sectors impacted by
April 06, 2018 Read Full Article
China's 2020 Ethanol Blending Target Faces Obstacles
(Argus Media) China faces several challenges to hit an ambitious 10pc (E10) ethanol blending target in its gasoline fuel mix by 2020, according to participants at the Argus China Ethanol conference in Beijing. The government announced the target last year to reduce
April 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Proteins and Renewable Energy: One and the Same Challenge
(Farm Europe) Despite 30 years of efforts and no less than 5 “protein plans”, the European Union still suffers from a considerable chronic deficit in plant proteins: more than 30 million tonnes of soybean crops were imported during 2016-17. This figure comes under
April 02, 2018 Read Full Article
NACSAA Advances Recommendations to Shape UNFCCC Agricultural Work Program
(25 x '25/North American Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance) Last November, we wrote here of a major breakthrough occurring at the global climate talks in Bonn, Germany, where, for the first time, delegates approved plans to establish an agricultural work program. What
March 30, 2018 Read Full Article
High Tech Algae Farming Industry Gets Boost with Introduction of Bipartisan Algae Agriculture Act of 2018
(Algae Biomass Organization/Globe Newswire) The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the algae industry, today applauded the introduction of the Algae Agriculture Act of 2018, a bill that would give algae cultivators and harvesters many of the same advantages as other
March 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Ag Policy Blog: Senators Detail Farm Bill Goals
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee are getting ready to move ahead on drafting a farm bill, ideally in April, and will seek to avoid the rancor over food assistance that has tied up
March 22, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2018 Visual Guide to the Economics, Politics of Renewable Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Have you ever wondered why corn farmers march for the RFS, but Wall Streeters don't? Or why merchent oil refiners want the US Renewable Fuel Standard repealed but major oilcos generally support RFS reform? Why are biodiesel
March 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Op-Ed: Biofuel from Sugarcane – Why Is SA Not Rushing Ahead?
by Chris Ward (Daily Maverick) Support for diversification of the sugar industry provides a superb and immediate opportunity for the government of South Africa under its new president to create thousands of new jobs by leveraging sugarcane as a key strategic
March 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Bolivia Invests $1.6 Billion to Boost Output of Sugar-Based Ethanol
(Latin American Herald Tribune) A $1.6 billion investment by 2025 will allow ethanol made from sugarcane represent 25 percent of fuels used in Bolivia, President Evo Morales said on Thursday. The president was speaking at an event in the eastern city of
March 15, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA and Its Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “The bioeconomy is a catalyst for economic development in rural America, creating new jobs and providing new markets for farmers and ranchers. Investing in the businesses and technologies that support the production of biofuels and biobased
March 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Bill Aims to Dismantle RFS, Limit Biofuel Blending
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On March 8, Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., introduced companion bills that aim to dismantle the Renewable Fuel Standard and sunset blending obligations for conventional, advanced, cellulosic, and biomass-based diesel fuels. The
March 09, 2018 Read Full Article
200 Companies, Trade Groups Urge Congress forward on Farm Bill Energy Title Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, more than 200 companies and trade associations today wrote House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders, urging them “to reauthorize and maintain stable mandatory funding for energy title programs in the next farm bill reauthorization.” The letter,
March 09, 2018 Read Full Article
State Government of Western Australia : Government Backs Growing Hemp Industry
(4-Traders) Maximum permitted THC content in industrial hemp to be increased; Move to help drive growth in the hemp industry and regional jobs in WA; State Government convenes hemp industry roundtable -- The McGowan Government is set to boost Western Australia's fledgling hemp
February 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Indiana Farm Leaders on Importance of NAFTA
by Andy Eubank (Hoosier Ag Today) ... “There are a lot of positives of NAFTA as it relates to agriculture in Indiana; and all throughout the value chain and economy we would feel the impact should the U.S. withdraw from NAFTA,”
February 20, 2018 Read Full Article
Expected Drop in Farm Income Highlights Need for Biofuels, RFS
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA’s February 2018 Farm Income Forecast predicts net farm income will decline by or 6.7 percent this year. According to Growth Energy, the expected drop underscores the need for a strong Renewable Fuel Standard. The
February 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Energy Programs Should Be Fully Funded and Enhanced in the 2018 Farm Bill
by Jeremy Gilpin, Jordan Blanchard, and Cindy Thyfault (National Rural Lenders Association/Biofuels Digest) There has been a keen focus the last few weeks for President Trump and the USDA with the release of the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Report, President
February 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Agroforestry Systems May Play Vital Role in Mitigating Climate Change
by Jeff Mulhollem (Penn State News) Agroforestry could play an important role in mitigating climate change because it sequesters more atmospheric carbon in plant parts and soil than conventional farming, according to Penn State researchers. An agricultural system that combines trees with crops
February 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Fijian Farmers Urged to Practice Climate Smart Agriculture
(Xinhua) Farmers in the South Pacific island nation of Fiji have been urged to be mindful of the impacts of climate change and practice climate smart agriculture to address the challenge. ... The Fijian government has worked on a 2020 agriculture sector policy
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Realistically Assess and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Rapeseed Cultivation
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) (Google translation)) Global standard values overestimate nitrous oxide emissions in rapeseed cultivation -- A network of eight partners under the coordination of the Thünen Institute (TI) for agri-climate protection engaged in a
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to the 10-Year OECD-FAO Outlook for Ag, Biofuels
The latest joint OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook spawned this fascinating 10 year outlook of global biofuel markets and agricultural feedstocks. This model based projection, validated through global expert consensus, includes major food commodities and biofuels driven by the outlooks on population, GDP, fossil
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Rural Areas Have High Expectations for Trump’s Infrastructure Plan – DTN
by Todd Neeley (AGFAX) President Donald Trump set out an agenda during the State of Union address on Tuesday that includes a plan to upgrade the nation’s infrastructure. ... The Trump plan calls for about $200 billion in federal dollars invested, to spark
February 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Senate Ag Committee Chairman Expects Farm Bill Vote in March
by P.J. Griekspoor (American Agriculturalist) Sen. Roberts urged farmers to be ready to ‘sound off’ in support of farmer-friendly legislation. -- March will be the month the 2018 Farm Bill comes to the Senate floor. At least that’s the best guess of Senate
February 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Refiner Bankruptcy Adds to Pressure to Overhaul Biofuel Program
by Jennifer A Dlouhy and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Biofuel mandate overhaul mulled by Congress after bankruptcy; Unions and Pennsylvania politicians seek immediate action -- The bankruptcy of Philadelphia Energy Solutions LLC, the biggest refiner on the U.S. East Coast, has invigorated efforts to overhaul a 13-year-old federal
February 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Economic Survey Suggests Converting Agricultural Waste into Biofuels to Tackle Pollution
by Mayank Aggarwal (LiveMint) Survey also recommends ‘congestion pricing’ for vehicles, expanding and improving public bus system to reduce private vehicle use, and phasing out old vehicles to reduce pollution -- The Economic Survey released on Monday suggested conversion of agricultural waste into
January 29, 2018 Read Full Article
Ag Secretary to Roll out Farm Bill & Legislative Principles in Pennsylvania
(Wisconsin State Farmer) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will be in Pennsylvania Wednesday, Jan. 24 to roll out the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Bill and legislative principles for 2018. READ MORE Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue pulls back the curtain on the
January 24, 2018 Read Full Article
My Voice: A ‘Swing and a Miss’ from the USDA
by Doug Sombke (Argus Leader/South Dakota Farmers Union) Our esteemed U.S. Department of Agriculture recently released a report of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity. While it is hard to get excited over any government report, I had high hopes
January 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Grassley Marks Policy, Oversight Accomplishments in 2017
(North Iowa Today) Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa marked a series of policy and oversight accomplishments in 2017. ... Grassley introduced the Food Security is National Security Act of 2017, which would give top U.S. agriculture and food officials permanent representation on the Committee
January 04, 2018 Read Full Article
Farmers Urge Congress to Extend Lapsed Tax Credits for Biodiesel, Renewable Energy
(Farm Bureau News) A recently introduced bill would continue several expired tax provisions important to farmers and ranchers. Offered by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), the Tax Extenders Act of 2017 (S. 2256) would extend several tax credits for
December 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Avoiding GMOs Isn’t Just Anti-Science. It’s Immoral.
by Mitch Daniels (The Washington Post) Of the several claims of “anti-science” that clutter our national debates these days, none can be more flagrantly clear than the campaign against modern agricultural technology, most specifically the use of molecular techniques to create
December 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Commentary: From Grain Bin to Fuel Tank
by Gary Truitt (Hoosier Ag Today) ... Another aspect of U.S. agricultural exports that is changing is ethanol and its byproduct DDGs. In the past 3 years, U.S. exports of ethanol have grown significantly. Cary Sifferath, Senior Director of Global Programs
December 05, 2017 Read Full Article
Government Initiates Rejuvenation Program for North Sumatra`s Palm Oil Plantations
(AntaraNews.com) The government has initiated a program to rejuvenate palm oil plantations in North Sumatra spread across 9,109.29 hectares in 12 districts. Serdang Bedagai, Langkat, South Labuhan Batu, Labuhan Batu, Asahan, Batubara, Simalungun, North Labuhan Batu, North Padan Lawas, Padang Lawas, Deli
November 29, 2017 Read Full Article
European Bioeconomy Stakeholders Manifesto: The Digest’s Special Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We, representatives from large and small companies, NGOs, biomass producers, regions, and academia from all over Europe as members of the European Bioeconomy Stakeholders Panel, have prepared this manifesto based on the Building Blocks document, prepared
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
BIO Asks for Reauthorization of Section 9003 Program in Farm Bill
(Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Biotechnology Innovation Organization and 66 renewable chemical producers recently asked leaders of the House and Senate Committees on Agriculture to reauthorize the Farm Bill’s Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Manufacturing Assistance Program (Section 9003). BIO
October 26, 2017 Read Full Article
US Ethanol Is Modern-Day Farm Policy; Future Profitable: Green Plains CEO
(Platts) The US ethanol industry represents a modern-day farm policy as the primary means of creating demand for ever-growing corn supplies, and the industry maintains a profitable outlook, Green Plains CEO Todd Becker said Tuesday. "This is the modern-day farm program," Becker
October 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Lawmakers Urge Consistent Approach to Federal Regulation of Biotechnology
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) In a letter to three federal agency heads on Tuesday, a group of 79 bipartisan members of the United States House of Representatives expressed concern about the direction being taken to regulate agriculture biotechnology, http://bit.ly/…. In
October 25, 2017 Read Full Article
The Brazilians Are Coming!! The Brazilians Are Coming!!
by Dave VanderGriend (ICM/Biofuels Digest) ... The recent effort by Brazil to impose import duties on U.S. ethanol has received considerable press coverage and should send a clear message that we need to develop long term reliable markets here at home
October 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuel Palm Oil Ban ‘Has Little Impact on Reducing Deforestation’
(Biofuels International) A general ban on palm oil in biofuels in Europe punishes the wrong producers while having little impact on reducing deforestation, according to Jaboury Ghazoul, a professor of ecosystem management at ETH Zurich. He claims in an article published
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Farm Bill Energy Issues Essential for State, Franken Says
by Trey Mewes (Mankato Free Press) As federal officials back off of the Obama-era Clean Power Plan, U.S. Sen. Al Franken believes there's going to be more work to do to ensure farmers and rural communities benefit from renewable energy sources. The
October 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Hearing Focuses on Farm Bill Rural Development, Energy Programs
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Sept. 28, the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry held a hearing on the 2018 Farm Bill focused on rural development and energy programs. The committee has now held nine hearings this
October 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Why Small, Local, Organic Farms Aren’t the Key to Fixing Our Food System
by Tamar Haspel (The Washington Post) The food movement has a problem: It’s right about what’s wrong with our system, but wrong about how to fix it. But what is the “food movement?” I hear you asking. For these purposes, we’ll
September 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Censky, McKinney Nomination Hearing Addresses Biofuels, RFS
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Sept. 19, the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry held a hearing on the nomination of Stephen Censky at deputy secretary of agriculture and Ted McKinney as under secretary of agriculture for
September 21, 2017 Read Full Article
Nigerian Sugar Council Wants E10 to Buffer from Global Oil Demand Shifts
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Nigeria, the National Sugar Development Council wants the country to develop an E10 blending mandate in line with China’s in an effort to boost the agricultural economy and reduce dependence on its oil imports. The government
September 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Johnson: Biofuels Powering a Renewable Future
by Roger Johnson (National Farmers Union/AgriNews) ... The U.S. must implement federal-level policies that encourage expanded markets for these energy sources and remove regulatory barriers that inhibit their growth. To that end, National Farmers Union, in conjunction with state Farmers Union divisions, has
September 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Democrat Senators Offer Farm Bill Energy Package
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Senator Al Franken (D-MN), together with Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) have introduced the Agricultural Energy Programs Reauthorization Act of 2017, to reauthorize Title IX programs and funding through 2023. ... According to the Agriculture Energy Coalition,
September 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Nigeria: Experts Fault Proposed Field Trial of Genetically Modified Cassava
by Cornelius Essen (The Guardian/All Africa) Experts have condemned an alleged move by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, (IITA) and Zurich, Switzerland-based ETHZ Laboratories to carry out confined field trial of genetically modified cassava in Nigeria. They alleged that the application,
September 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Interview — Growing Food or Fuel on Our Land?
(European Environment Agency) Only a decade ago, biofuel production from plants was hailed as an ecological alternative to fossil fuels. Recently, it has come to be seen as competing with food production and not always an effective solution in reducing
August 31, 2017 Read Full Article
All Eyes on Energy
by Keith Loria (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The 2014 Farm Bill—otherwise known as the Agricultural Act of 2014—places a larger emphasis on energy than past farm bills have. It includes the most recent version of the Energy Title, which was first
August 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Fischer Expects Fight over Farm Bill
by Liz Morales (Columbus Telegram) Agriculture was a main topic of discussion Wednesday during U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer's listening session in Albion. Fischer said she expects a big fight when the 2018 farm bill is debated in Congress. “The Heritage Foundation
August 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Improving Global Integration of Crop Research
by M. P. Reynolds, et al. (Science Magazine) In recent decades, the scientific, development, and farm communities have contributed to substantial gains in crop productivity, including in many less developed countries (LDCs) (1), yet current yield trends and agri-food systems are
August 16, 2017 Read Full Article
'Imperative' for Fruit and Nut Orchards to Be Included in US Bioenergy Programmes
(Bioenergy Insight) The Almond Alliance of California has called for increased funding from the Farm Bill in order to help develop bioenergy outlets for almond biomass and byproducts in the state. Kelly Covello, president of the Almond Alliance of California, explained to
August 15, 2017 Read Full Article
Legislation Aims to Repeal Energy Title of 2014 Farm Bill
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In late July, Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., introduced legislation that aims to repeal bioenergy programs contained under Title IX of the 2014 Farm Bill. The bill, titled “Farewell to Unnecessary Energy Lifelines (FUEL) Reform Act,” or
August 11, 2017 Read Full Article
Column: Keeping Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Communities Strong
by Senator Al Franken (D-MN) (The Globe) ... That’s why I pushed back hard when President Trump recently proposed more than $230 billion in Farm Bill cuts, including $29 billion in cuts to the crop insurance program, which farmers depend upon
August 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Summer Farm Bill Road Trips: Ag Secretary Kicks off RV Tour as House Committee Continues its Listening Tour
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) ... The House Agriculture Committee has its road trip, labeled "Conversations in the Field," which included a field hearing in Texas on Monday and another one at Farmfest in Minnesota on Thursday. Now Agriculture
August 02, 2017 Read Full Article
Assessing the Pulse of the Next Farm Bill Debate
by Carl Zulauf, Gary Schnitkey, David Orden (FarmDocDaily) Thirteen agricultural economists put together short papers describing issues that will surface during the writing of the next farm bill. For each issue, the author describes the "policy setting" and details "farm bill
August 01, 2017 Read Full Article
Young Nebraskan Launches Gubernatorial Campaign on Ag, Hemp and Biofuel Platform
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Nebraska, the governor has competition for the Republican primary election next year in a young woman who is putting the focus on strengthening agriculture with a platform that heavily supports hemp production for biofuels, aiming to
July 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Senate Passes Ag, Energy Appropriations Bills – Increases Over House Package
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On Thursday, July 20, Senate Appropriators reported several spending bills for FY2018 out of committee, including budget proposals for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Department of Energy. Both bills
July 21, 2017 Read Full Article
Group: Clovis Pick Illegal!
by Anthony Adranga (Politico's Morning Energy) The Union of Concerned Scientists says Trump's pick of non-scientist (and former campaign co-chair) Sam Clovis to be USDA's top scientist is illegal, Helena Bottemiller Evich reports. The group argues federal statute stipulates the nominee
July 21, 2017 Read Full Article
Foreign Investment in U.S. Farmland on the Rise
By Johnathan Hettinger and Robert Holly with additional reporting by Jelter Meers (Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting) In 2013, the Chinese firm Shuanghui received wide public attention when it purchased U.S. pork producer Smithfield Foods for a record $4.7 billion. In
July 07, 2017 Read Full Article
House Appropriators Make Significant Cuts to Farm Energy Programs in FY18 Agriculture Spending Bill
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On June 29, the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee approved a spending bill for FY2018 providing $144.0 billion to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), $876 million lower than FY2017 and $4.64 billion
June 30, 2017 Read Full Article
House Agriculture Appropriations Bill Axes BCAP, Slashes Loan Guarantees and REAP
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the draft House Appropriations Committee’s FY2018 Agriculture Appropriations bill was released, and cut the Rural Energy for America Program from $50 million to $9 million, cut the Section 9003 Loan Guarantee program by $65
June 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Congress Needs to Protect Renewable Fuel Law
by Jim Harris (Natural Resource Report) Please stand with me and ask our Oregon representatives in Washington, D.C. to protect the partnership between fuel and agricultural by preserving the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) as is, without changes. With so many policies
June 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Aux Farms, Citoyens! France’s Bioeconomy Plan Is a Stirring Call to Action on Jobs, Climate, Innovation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) t took a long time, but France in the past year published a national bioeconomy strategy and its national government has approved it. It’s here in full form. We’re publishing a digested version today not only
June 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Pioneering Iowa Sustainable Agriculture Research Center Hangs On, Barely
by Amy Mayer (High Plains Public Radio) A leading research center focused on local farmers and environmental conservation is hanging on by a thread, even as the movement to diversify agriculture, which it helped launch, continues to thrive. The Iowa Legislature
June 05, 2017 Read Full Article
Industrial Hemp Coming to South Carolina
by Graham Abbott (Ganjapreneur) Shortly after the close of South Carolina’s legislative session earlier this month, Gov. Henry McMaster signed a bill legalizing the cultivation and sale of industrial hemp, according to a report by The State. Next, the South Carolina
June 01, 2017 Read Full Article
USDA Bioenergy Programs Gutted in 2018 Trump Budget: The Digest’s 7-Minute Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Rural Business Service to shut down; BCAP, REAP, loan guarantees gone; food stamps, crop insurance slashed. Want to understand what USDA is targeting, cutting, growing or eliminating — but don’t have the time to wade through
May 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Advancing the Bioeconomy: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to the USDA and Feedstock R&D
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Former Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack put it best: “The bioeconomy is a catalyst for economic development in rural America, creating new jobs and providing new markets for farmers and ranchers. Investing in the businesses and technologies
May 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Cultivating Homegrown Energy Solutions
by Rick Santorum (Washington Times/Americans for Energy Security and Innovation) ... With all the publicity around fracking, it’s easy to assume that America’s own domestic oil production is more than enough to fuel a growing economy. It certainly helps. But
May 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol Producers Must Engage in Upcoming Farm Bill Debate
by John Duff (Ethanol Producer Magazine/National Sorghum Producers) A drastically changed farm economy means the next bill will likely be very different than past ones. ... -- It is hard to believe the current Farm Bill expires in less
May 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Expert: Biofuels Tug-of-War Is an EU Invention
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EurActiv) The conflict between second and first generation biofuels – depicted as good and bad for the environment – only exists in Brussels. In fact, it’s the brainchild of the European Commission, Eric Sievers told EURACTIV.com. Eric Sievers
May 15, 2017 Read Full Article
Perdue Unveils Plan to Reorganize USDA
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On May 11, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue released a plan to reorganize the USDA that creates an undersecretary for trade and agricultural affairs and eliminates the undersecretary for rural development. USDA Rural Development agencies
May 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Gov. Ricketts Proclaims May as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska
(KTIC) Today, Governor Pete Ricketts designated the month of May as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska during a proclamation ceremony at the State Capitol. “The biofuels industry has been a key part of growing Nebraska agriculture,” said Governor Ricketts. “Corn-based ethanol
May 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Perdue Pushes RFS, Beef Exports in Iowa Speech
by Spencer Chase and Ben Nuelle (Agri-Pulse) ... Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue highlighted the benefits of renewable energy and the need for export markets in a Friday speech to Iowa producers. The speech was billed as Perdue’s first major farm policy speech
May 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels Are Part of an ‘America First’ Energy Plan
by Brian Jennings (The Hill/American Coalition for Ethanol) ... By every measure, increasing the production and use of homegrown renewable fuels has spurred economic growth for U.S. farmers and supported high-skill, high-wage jobs in rural communities. When the use of renewable
May 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Advancements in Agriculture, Good for People and the Planet
by Tom Vilsack (The Hill/U.S. Dairy Export Council) This Earth Day, hundreds of thousands of people marched to “defend the vital role science plays in our health, safety, economies, and governments.” The March for Science echoed in communities around the
April 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Trump Forms Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Trump Administration released its “Presidential Executive Order on Promoting Agriculture and Rural Prosperity in America” — and a report from the Interagency Task Force, something this order creates, is due in 180
April 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Sonny Perdue Sworn in as 31st U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Sonny Perdue was sworn in as the 31st U.S. Secretary of Agriculture by fellow Georgian and Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Clarence Thomas in a brief ceremony today at the Supreme Court building. The
April 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey Meets with Trump on Farm Issues
by Bartholomew D. Sullivan (USA TODAY/Des Moines Register) Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey took the opportunity presented at a White House roundtable with President Donald Trump Tuesday afternoon to talk ethanol and said he got assurances he has the
April 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Florida Considers Accelerating Hemp Research as Orange Alternative
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, state legislators are looking to ease restrictions on industrial hemp research. According to the Florida State Senate, house bill 1217 that “authorizes specified universities in state to engage in industrial hemp research projects”
April 10, 2017 Read Full Article
In Response: Study, Article Misrepresented, Did Disservice to Ethanol
by Ashwin Raman (Duluth News Tribune/Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) I believe the March 21 story, “Habitat loss highest near ethanol plants,” did a disservice to readers because it cited a study that contains dubious and inaccurate conclusions. The study focuses on the period
March 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Australia’s Productivity Commission Says Biofuels a Bad Deal All Around
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, the federal government’s economic advisor—The Productivity Commission—has called on New South Wales, Queensland and commonwealth governments to drop biofuel blending, saying the polices unnecessarily increase fuel prices for consumers. It also dismissed out
March 29, 2017 Read Full Article
State Ag Department Greenlights 16 Promising Industrial Hemp Research Projects
(Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture) Projects Mark Return of Hemp to PA following Gov. Wolf’s Signing of Act 92 -- After decades of being gone from the landscape of Pennsylvania, a promising and versatile crop with enormous market potential will soon
March 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Scientists Made a Detailed “Roadmap” for Meeting the Paris Climate Goals. It’s Eye-Opening.
by Brad Plumer (Vox) ... They start with the big picture: To hit the Paris climate goals without geoengineering, the world has to do three broad (and incredibly ambitious) things: 1) Global CO2 emissions from energy and industry have to fall in
March 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Trump Loyalty to Rural Votes Under Scrutiny at Confirmation (1)
(Bloomberg/Washington Post) When Sonny Perdue III appears before a Senate panel Thursday for his confirmation hearing to become U.S. secretary of agriculture, lawmakers and farm groups will likely have few concerns about whether the former Georgia governor can do the
March 23, 2017 Read Full Article
Oil Instability Giving New Life to Biofuels?
by Douglas L. Faulkner (Biofuels Digest) Robert McNally, the author of the new, critically-acclaimed book, “Crude Volatility: The History and the Future of Boom-Bust Oil Prices”, believes that global oil markets are entering an epic, structural shift to a protracted new
March 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuel Is Nigeria’s New Economy –Shidok, PPPRA Boss
(The Sun) From Uche Usim, Abuja -- When the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, assumed office in 2015, one of the programmes he highlighted the Muhammadu Buhari administration would face headlong was biofuels production which he described
March 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Groups Call Food-vs.-Fuel Fight Truce
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) ... Now, representatives of two ag groups previously at odds over the RFS say they have moved on. The reason, they say, is that the 5 billion bushels of corn demand created by U.S.
February 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Rocky Road Ahead for Farm Bill’s Energy Title
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The Farm Bill’s Energy Title provides loans and grants to farmers, ranchers and small businesses to encourage investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and the production of renewable bioproducts such as fuels
February 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Farm Bill: Lower Expectations
by Jerry Hagstrom (DTN Progressive Farmer) About two-thirds of a bipartisan group of around 50 lobbyists said this week they expect Congress not to finish the farm bill until 2019 and think that it will spend 10% below the current
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Reserved about Trump Agriculture Secretary Pick
by Ilari Kauppila (Biofuels International) US President Donald Trump has selected former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to serve as the Secretary of Agriculture. Perdue previously ran a grains and fertiliser company, and said he was chosen based on his business and
January 23, 2017 Read Full Article
Gearing Up for Farm Bill Season
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) EESI will take periodic looks at the ongoing debate surrounding the anticipated 2018 Farm Bill. This article is the first in the series. -- ... Amidst a backdrop of plunging commodity prices and
January 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuels Industry May Have the Juice to Endure to Trump's EPA Chief Pick
by Chuck McCutcheon (Scientific American) Despite concerns over Scott Pruitt’s record of opposing ethanol, experts say the renewable-fuel program is on safe ground -- ... Ethanol advocates, however, do not seem to worry that Pruitt will make similar waves involving their
December 23, 2016 Read Full Article
Biofuel Market Must Remain Competitive for UK Farms, NFU Says
(NFU Online) The NFU has met with ministers to urge the Department for Transport to keep biofuel markets as open as possible for UK farmers to remain competitive with their European neighbours. NFU North East combinable crops board chair Brett Askew
December 23, 2016 Read Full Article
Ethanol Project in Offing
(The New Indian Express) There is a need to increase the minimum support price (MSP) of crops and bringing down the farming input cost, said Union Petroleum Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan. ... “For development, long term planning is required and the
December 20, 2016 Read Full Article
Commission ‘Dangerously’ Out of Touch with Reality on Biofuels
by Dick Roche (EurActiv/Pannonia Ethanol) A response delivered by Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete in the European Parliament last week demonstrates just how dangerously out of touch with reality the executive is on a policy that impacts on the lives of
December 14, 2016 Read Full Article
SARE Publishes New Report on Agricultural Systems
by Rebecca Chillrud (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) “Agricultural research must shift from measuring farm ‘performance’ by single indicators such as yield and profit, to evaluating success using a multidimensional approach that incorporates the three dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social
December 09, 2016 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels: Good Policy and Good Politics For Democrats
by Jon Soltz (VoteVets.org) ... (A)s a veteran who has worked to elect progressive leaders from across the country, let me offer one step that Democrats could take immediately to demonstrate their commitment to economic growth, national security, and climate
December 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Farmers to Trump: You Owe Us
by Jane Wells (CNBC) ... This even as the oil industry — suffering from its own low prices — could push the Trump administration to reduce support for ethanol. "I think some people would still like to see the death of
December 06, 2016 Read Full Article
A Portrait of Tom Vilsack's Tenure
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) ... "Democrats need to talk to rural voters. That's the first thing that has to happen. They can't write 'em off," Vilsack told his former adviser, David Axelrod, in a podcast interview during the Democratic
December 06, 2016 Read Full Article
Prospering In the New Trump Era
by Douglas L. Faulkner (“The Cleantech Conservative”/Biofuels Digest) ... Yes, the GOP is in control of the White House, the House of Representatives and the Senate. But, who’s in control of the Republicans and will they – – can they – –
December 06, 2016 Read Full Article
America's Rural Voters Are Ready for Renewable Energy Too
by Lloyd Ritter (The Hill/Agriculture Energy Coalition) ... Rural energy’s potential is strong. Farmers, ranchers, farm coops and businesses want to minimize costs or generate new income through energy. They can do this by investing in biofuels, putting up solar arrays
November 30, 2016 Read Full Article
White House Decarbonization Report Addresses Biofuels, Biomass
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The White House has published a mid-century strategy on decarbonization that addresses biofuels and bioenergy. On Nov. 16, the report was filed with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change under the Paris climate
November 17, 2016 Read Full Article
Rs. 500 Crore Plant to Produce Ethanol from Crop Residue
(The Hindu) Union Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday announced a new plant to produce ethanol to be set up in Bathinda with an outlay of Rs 500 crore. ... Mr Pradhan, while addressing gathering in Ludhiana, said this plant will convert
November 16, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA Resumes Incentives to Grow the Bioeconomy and Improve Forest Health
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that $1.5 million will be available in fiscal year 2017 for farmers and foresters who harvest and deliver biomass for renewable energy. The
November 10, 2016 Read Full Article
Farmers Could Help Trump Win This Make-or-Break State
by Tom Philpott (Mother Jones) Cue the pandering to King Corn. -- ... And while winning Iowa is far from enough to push Trump to national victory, he absolutely needs to win the state to have any reasonable shot at
November 04, 2016 Read Full Article
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