Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack addressed the Commodity Classic for the 10th time last week with the theme of new opportunities and markets for farmers and one he is excited about it sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
“I get electric cars, you know, you drive them and if the charge runs out, you pull off the side of the road, pick up your cell phone, call for a charge and get back on the road,” said Vilsack to applause and laughter. “But what if you’re in a plane? And it’s over a body of water? We need a sustainable low carbon fuel. It’s a 36 billion gallon industry that doesn’t exist today. It’s a new opportunity for American agriculture to lead the way.”
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack addresses Commodity Classic
Classic 23 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack address (28:49)
Vilsack also took the opportunity to sign memorandums for two of USDA’s new Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities programs – Farmers for Soil Health (FSH) and the Midwest Climate Smart Commodities Project.
“It is the beginning of a process of a number of projects that are going to transform how we farm, where we farm, what we do to sustainably produce crops,” said Vilsack.
Secretary Vilsack and USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Robert Bonnie joined the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and farmer-leaders with Farmers for Soil Health (FSH) to sign a $95 million USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant, officially launching the Farmers for Soil Health initiative.
Classic 23 Agriculture Secy Vilsack - Farmers for Soil Health MOU (3:28)
Vilsack also joined the Iowa Soybean Association to sign the Midwest Climate Smart Commodities Project, which also includes other partners such as PepsiCo, Cargill, Renewable Energy Group, Ingredion, Target, JBS, Coca-Cola, Mano y Ola, FarmRaise, Rural Community Assistance Partnership.
Classic 23 Secy Vilsack - Midwest Climate Smart Commodities MOU (2:58)