ARA Applauds Announcement on Ag's Role in Sustainable Biofuels

May 01, 2024

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) President & CEO Daren Coppock released the following statement applauding the Biden Administration's announcement updating the Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technology (GREET) model and including regenerative agricultural practices in the sustainable aviation fuel emissions calculation:

“ARA is pleased to hear the announcement from the Biden Administration firmly establishing a role for agriculture in the future of sustainable fuels. Updates to the GREET model and the inclusion of agricultural crops and practices in the equation to qualify for 40(b) tax credits in 2023 and 2024 opens an important door for America’s farmers.

"As the Administration works to develop criteria for the 45(z) credits that will start in 2025, we look forward to more crops and more practices being included in the mix. Agriculture has much to offer, and we’re pleased to see those attributes recognized.

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Video: How Did This Happen… Late Night Disaster!!

We started the day with some spraying ahead of the corn planter, then we transitioned over to the bean planter. While we were running the bean planter, the corn planter was hard at work all day. After days of grinding, we finally sealed the deal and finished up the very last of our corn planting!

Everything was running flawlessly until late into the night. Just as we were wrapping up, disaster struck—a massive flat tire on the sprayer… We were able to get the sprayer off the road safely and into the field. What a day!

My name is Michael Wendling, and I am proud to be a 6th-generation farmer carrying forward a family legacy that began in 1879 here in East Central Illinois.

Today, our operation focuses on raising food-grade corn for Frito-Lay and also soybeans. While the tools and technology have evolved, our core values remain the same: hard work, integrity, and a deep respect for the land we steward. Thank you for following along and supporting the journey.