One of our speakers here at the Transition To A Bio Economy conference brought the discussion down to the farm level. John Miranowski, Iowa State University, spoke about the impact of biofuels on the rural economy and the farm structure.
He says that their numbers indicate that increasing biofuels production will have a positive impact on rural communities and farm structure up to a point but that it could have some negative impacts. One thing is certain, he sees an uncertain future for biofuels.
However, even with the uncertainty, he thinks the industry will make a go of it because of an increased demand for fuel. As far as where we’re going, he sees a bigger role for corn and corn stover fuels given the RFS and that this is one area where we have an ability to increase productivity while decreasing environmental impact concerns.
You can listen to my interview with John here: [audio:http://www.zimmcomm.biz/farm-foundation/ff-bio-08-miranowski.mp3]
You can also download the interview using this link (mp3).
I’m also uploading pictures to a photo album which you can feel free to use if you’d like: Transition To A Bio Economy Photo Album
Like the first speaker on our program today here at the Transition To A Bio Economy conference, our second speaker, David Zilberman, University of California, Berkeley, says we need to increase agricultural productivity.
The first speaker here at the Transition To A Bio Economy conference is Michael Wetzstein, University of Georgia. His talk deals with two issues. One is on price volatility and the other is on food and fuel.
The Farm Foundation conference, “Transition To A Bio Economy, Risk, Infrastructure and Industry Evolution” is underway here in Berkeley, CA. Getting us started was Farm Foundation Vice President, Steve Halbrook.
Just two years in and the 
The Earthrace, the 100 percent biodiesel-powered boat trying to set a record for circumnavigation of the globe, is approaching its last port before its final run back to Spain… and a world record.
Update from Egypt, 19.29 GMT. Due to essential maintenance work following a challenging trip through monsoon weather, Earthrace was not able to start the journey through the Suez Canal until this afternoon. The crew is very grateful to Admiral Fadel, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, for granting special dispensation to the boat to travel through the Canal. As vessels are unable to travel along the canal at night, the boat is now docked half way to Port Said, in Ismailia from where she will set off again at first light tomorrow. Thanks also to Felix Maritime Agents for all their help in making arrangements for a great transit.
A small train company in the Pacific Northwest is using biodiesel on some of its routes. 
General Motors’ Hummer has caught a lot of heat with gas prices climbing above $4 and $5 a gallon. Those high prices could be the death sentence for gas-guzzling, all-terrain vehicles, as GM looks to save its business by finding products that will sell. But their could be a glimmer of hope on the horizon for the go-anywhere… but drink-everything-in-the-tank… vehicle: biodiesel.