Feb. 9, 2007: Could Biofuel Plan Benefit Minnesota?

A plan being proposed as part of the next Farm Bill, which would use native plants for energy, could help grow Minnesota's economy.

Minnesota News Connection
Feb. 9, 2007

Could Biofuel Plan Benefit Minnesota?

St. Paul, MN - Supporters of a plan to promote "next generation" biomass energy from farm products say they're getting a welcome ear in Washington, and Minnesota and the Midwest could benefit.

Gary Botzek with the Minnesota Conservation Federation says it focuses on biofuel crops -- the idea is to look beyond corn to convert what's grown on the farm into energy.

"There are other crops that farmers could grow or do have on their farms, like switch grass like native prairie. That material could be used in the production of ethanol or other energy sources."

He says the plan would allow farmers nationwide to enroll up to 5-million acres into the next generation of biomass. One major condition: plants used must be native to the United States, and not have the potential to become invasive or noxious.

Botzek says it's important for Minnesota farmers to look beyond corn and towards diversity.

"Corn prices have been driven up by the ethanol production and consumption. But also, corn and soybeans take a lot out of the soil. Some of these alternative biofuels may be better for the land.

They're certainly better for habitat. For our hunters and our anglers who enjoy the pheasants, ducks and the deer that may be calling the wilder areas their home."

Botzek says the provision has a good chance of being included in the new Farm Bill, since Midwesteners have strong influence on both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees.

Botzek says it's a good deal for farmers, the economy and consumers.

"This is a win for farmers, because it helps diversify their crops. It's a win for anglers and hunters that enjoy the produce from some of these wild areas, like duck and pheasants. But, it's also a big win for global warming. More and more legislation is being geared towards what more can we do to reduce global climate change. And, this next generation of biomass energy could very well be a big part of that solution."

The plan calls for farmers to be reimbursed to grow native grasses and trees on their land, which could be processed as biofuels, to help stem global warming and reduce the country's need to import foreign oil.

Reporter Wrap: A plan being proposed as part of the next federal Farm Bill could help grow Minnesota's economy. Jim Wishner has details.