USDA financially backs advanced biofuel production

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing almost $60 million (€43 million) in the production of advanced biofuels. 

The Advanced Biofuel Payment Programme, established in the 2008 Farm Bill and again supported in the recently signed 2014 Farm Bill, is delivering the funding.

The money will be made in payments to 195 advanced biofuel producers. The eligibility of producers will be decided based on the amount of advanced biofuels produced from renewable biomass, excluding corn kernel starch.

Crop residue; animal, food and yard waste; vegetable oil; and animal fat are among the feedstocks that qualify for this programme.

Doug O'Brien, deputy under secretary for Temple-Agriculture reveals the reasoning behind the USDA's decision: 'Producing advanced biofuels is a major component of the effort to take control of America's energy future by developing domestic, renewable energy sources.'

'The Bioenergy Programme for Advanced Biofuels is building the foundation for a clean energy economy and protecting our environment while making America less dependent on foreign and fossil fuels and increasing rural economic growth,' Paco Valentin, USDA rural development state director adds.

The USDA aims to help the research, investment and infrastructure needed, to grow the number of feedstocks available for renewable fuel production.