$36 Million boost for low-emission ethanol tech

Jul 15, 2024

$36 Million boost for low-emission ethanol tech

By Farms.com

The U.S. Department of Energy is taking a proactive step towards greener biofuel production by investing $36 million in technologies that decrease emissions from synthetic nitrogen fertilizers applied to ethanol-producing crops like corn and sorghum.

This initiative is part of a larger effort to address the significant role of agriculture in the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, which is notably influenced by the use of nitrogen fertilizers.

This investment aims to support projects that can innovate ways to reduce fertilizer usage while preserving or even enhancing the yields from these biofuel crops.

The significance of this move is underscored by the broader implications it has for the ethanol industry, which is increasingly pressured by the expanding electric vehicle market to reduce its carbon footprint.

The funding is especially timely given recent setbacks, such as the limitations imposed by the Treasury Department on ethanol's eligibility for sustainable aviation fuel tax credits.

By focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of the initial agricultural processes involved in ethanol production, the DOE seeks to align more closely with federal and state subsidies promoting lower-emission fuels.

Evelyn N. Wang of the DOE highlighted the importance of this initiative for the energy sector and the economy, pointing out that smarter fertilizer use could lead to significant reductions in energy emissions, benefiting both the environment and the operational costs for farmers.

This initiative represents a crucial step in aligning agricultural practices with environmental sustainability goals, fostering a healthier planet and a more resilient agricultural sector.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.