USDA Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack met with farmers and agriculture officials in northern Ohio to discuss the future the ethanol industry.
Vilsack told groups such as the Ohio Corn Growers Association, Ohio Department of Agriculture and POET, “We are working at USDA to develop a roadmap for how to build that [ethanol] nationwide industry. We understand it starts with allowing the capacity we have today to maximize its input. That means increasing the blend rate to 15 percent. I have been advocating for that, will continue to advocate for that, and I believe it will happen. Obviously I wish it had had happened now, but I believe it will happen sometime this fall.”
Currently major fuel marketing associations are supporting legislation that will help sell higher blends of renewable fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel greater than E10 or B5.
NACS (the Association for Convenience and Petroleum Retailing) and NATSO (the association for Travel Plazas and truck stops), Petroleum Marketers Association of American (PMAA), the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America and the Renewable Fuels Association all stand behind the Renewable Fuels Marketing Act of 2010 (HR 5778).
The NACS reports, “the bill will enable retailers to have existing equipment evaluated and legally approved to sell new renewable fuels and will expedite the approval of new equipment. It also will protect retailers from Clean Air Act violations and liability associated with self-service consumers fueling unapproved engines with higher blends of renewable fuels.”
All groups contributed in a letter to Representatives Mike Ross and John Shimkus who introduced the bill in congress at the end of July.
Renewable energy is one way to add extra income to your business. If you need money to help your agriculture business grow, contact Farm Plus today. Representatives are available to discuss low-rate farm and ranch loans at 866-929-5585. You can also visit our website for more information.