Brazil Ethanol Group Moves Summit Dates

John Davis

A group representing sugarcane ethanol producers in Brazil is rescheduling its biennial meeting. The Union of Sugar Cane Industry Association (UNICA) has moved its Ethanol Summit 2015 to July 6-7, 2015 at the Golden Hall of World Trade Center to accomodate Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, who will be in Washington, D.C., on the original dates at the end of June. …

Ag group, Agribusiness, Brazil, Ethanol, Ethanol News, UNICA

Canadian Canola Growers Want More Biodiesel

John Davis

Canola growers in Canada want politicians to prove they are truly dedicated to addressing climate change – by voting for biodiesel. This article from the Alberta Farmer Express says Ward Toma, the general manager of Alberta Canola Producers Commission, wants them to start by hiking Alberta’s biodiesel mandate. “In their election platforms, almost all political parties talk about climate change …

Ag group, Agribusiness, Biodiesel, International

NFU Disturbed by Renewable Energy Funding Cuts

John Davis

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is expressing its disappointment in proposed cuts to federal spending on renewable energy. NFU President Roger Johnson released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Water spending subcommittee’s voted to reduce funds for renewable energy and energy efficiency. “Renewable energy and energy efficiency are key to building climate resilience, and many …

Ag group, Government, Legislation, NFU

Study Shows Ethanol’s Positive Economic Impact

John Davis

A new study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln shows Nebraska’s ethanol production capacity growth over the last 20 years is tenfold. This news release from the Nebraska Ethanol Board says the “Economic Impacts of the Ethanol Industry in Nebraska” also reveals ethanol in the state is producing 2,077 million gallons per year with 1,301 full-time employees at 24 facilities, and …

Ag group, Agribusiness, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Research, University

Iowa Gov Branstad to Address BIO World Congress

John Davis

Longtime advocate for biobased fuels Iowa Governor Terry Branstad will speak at this summer’s Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) World Congress in Montreal, Canada. This news release from BIO says Branstad is slated to speak during the July 20 plenary session titled, “State and Regional Approaches to Developing the Biobased Economy.” “Governor Terry Branstad is a true champion of our industry …

Ag group, BIO, biofuels, Biotech

Farm Bureau Offers Ag-Based Energy Info Online

John Davis

The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is offering free, online educational materials on ag-based energy to middle- and high-school educators and volunteers. This news release from the group says the curriculum shows the unique connections between agricultural literacy and alternative energy and align with the Next Generation Science Standards. The middle-school unit introduces students to energy generation, energy input …

Ag group, Agribusiness, Farm Bureau

Farmers Union Concerned Over RFS Omission

John Davis

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is concerned that Pres. Obama has left the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) out of his plan to cut greenhouse gases. This news release from the group says NFU President Roger Johnson isn’t pleased about the omission in the president’s formal submission of a plan to the United Nations that would cut the United States’ greenhouse …

Ag group, biofuels, Government, NFU, RFS

Biofuel Advocates Invite Candidates to Learn RFS

John Davis

It won’t be long until presidential candidates invade Iowa once again (and some already have). So, Iowa-based America’s Renewable Future (ARF) has publically invited Sen. Ted Cruz and all potential 2016 presidential candidates to tour Iowa renewable fuel facilities across the state to learn more about the success of the industry. “The goal of our organization is to educate candidates …

Ag group, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government, politics, RFS

USDA Secretary Returns to Commodity Classic

Cindy Zimmerman

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will visit the Commodity Classic next week for the sixth year in a row to address the annual convention and trade show for corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum growers. The secretary will deliver a keynote address to several thousand farmers and ag allies during the event’s General Session on Friday, Feb. 27, in Phoenix, …

Ag group, corn, USDA