Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making $5.6 million in grants to 220 producers across the nation to support the production of advanced biofuels and reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil.
“Producing advanced biofuel is a major component of the drive to take control of America’s energy future by developing domestic, renewable energy sources,” Vilsack said. “These resources represent the Obama Administration’s commitment to support an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy that seeks to build a robust bio-based economy. Investments in biofuels will also help create jobs and further diversify the economy in our rural communities.”
The funding announced today is being provided through USDA’s Advanced Biofuel Payment Program, which was established in the 2008 Farm Bill. Under this program, payments are made to eligible producers based on the amount of advanced biofuel produced from renewable biomass other than corn kernel starch. Examples of eligible feedstocks include but are not limited to crop residue; animal, food, and yard waste; vegetable oil; and animal fat.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture today is announcing payments to advanced biofuel producers in 41 states, including $35,724 to ten Oregon companies:
• SeQuential-Pacific Biodiesel
• Bear Mountain Forest Products, Inc.
• West Oregon Wood Products, Inc.
• Pacific Pellet, LLC
• Frank Pellet, LLC
• Blue Mountain Lumber Products, LLC
• Farm Power Tillamook, LLC
• Farm Power Misty meadow, LLC
• Stahlbrush Island Farms, Inc.
• Ochoco Lumber Company
View a complete list of producers receiving payments of more than $500 here.
Through the Advanced Biofuel Payment Program, USDA supports the research, investment, and infrastructure necessary to build a strong biofuel industry that creates jobs and broadens the range of feedstocks used to produce renewable fuel. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has made more than $280 million in payments to more than 350 producers in 47 states and territories since the program’s inception. These payments have supported the production of more than 5.8 billion gallons of advanced biofuel and the equivalent of more than 58 billion kilowatt hours of electric energy.
President Obama’s historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses, and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns, and rural communities.