The National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) today submitted comments in response the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Interim Rule on Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks, urging USDA to refine key provisions in the final rule to ensure a workable framework that benefits U.S. oilseed farmers and processors.
“As we adapt to new and evolving biofuel programs with potential incentives for on-farm practices, it is critical we support our farmer partners in achieving their conservation goals. This rule is a step in the right direction, but we must ensure these standards are workable for all crops and the entire agriculture value chain, and that they reflect the best science and latest technology available,” said Devin Mogler, President & CEO of NOPA.
NOPA strongly supports several provisions in the interim rule, including:
- Elimination of the Bundling Requirement – Removing the mandate for simultaneous adoption of multiple conservation practices increases flexibility for farmers and enhances adoption rates.
- USDA Management of FD-CIC Data – Ensuring that USDA maintains and updates the Field Data Collection and Integrity Criteria (FD-CIC) database strengthens accuracy of assessing impacts of farm practices.
- Commingling of CSA and Non-CSA Crops – Recognizing the realities of supply chain logistics by allowing blended storage of climate-smart and conventional crops is essential for efficient processing.
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