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This document, a collaboration between the Center for American Progress' and the Institute for Self Reliance, examines in detail why the link between local ownership of energy production and rural prosperity is so critical to America’s farming communities. It then offers comprehensive policy prescriptions for Congress to consider. This progressive legislation offers a smart, pragmatic way to boost the incomes of traditional American farmers and secure our nation’s future energy needs in small communities across the heartland.
This document, by the Center for American Progress, presents the current state of the US Biofuels market; analyzes in greater detail the advantages and some of the safeguards required in order to bring dedicated energy crops such as switchgrass, miscanthus, jatropha, and poplar to market as biofuels and bioproducts; explores the complex state of current international trade negotiations; and draws upon the analysis and recommendations of the first three sections to present a vision of a global agricultural economy fully engaged in alternative energy production. At each step, it makes clear, concise policy suggestions to the US Government to encourage this economic development.
This National Sustainable Agriculture Information site provides information about reducting the distance that food travels in the US Food system. It explores the energy wasted by not developing local food systems, which can greatly reduce these food miles and associated transportation costs. The site describes the benefits to consumers of a local food system, which include fresher, better-tasting, and more nutritious food, while more food dollars stay within local rural communities like ours.
The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) is creating a new research, education, and extension program called the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). Visit the site for more information, and the opportunity to comment on the implementation of this program.
This site provides information about the Conservation Security Program, a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to promote the conservation and improvement of soil, water, air, energy, plant and animal life, and other conservation purposes on Tribal and private working lands.
The Center for Rural Affairs provides an overview of the 2008 Farm Bill, including potential limitations of the legislation.
Renewable Energy in Agriculture
This presentation, recently given by the PA DEP, describes existing woody and anaerobic biomass technologies and projects located in the DEP North-Central region. It concludes with resources available to help projects get off the ground.
This document, by the Wisconsin Focus on Energy group, explores options for renewable energy in agricultural settings. It outlines uses for renewable energy; benefits of renewable energy; examples; tax benefits; and links to more information.
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