National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement after U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Navy’s joint “Farm-to-Fleet” venture will now make biofuel blends part of regular, operational fuel purchase and use by the military:
“NFU is very supportive of the continued partnership between USDA and the Navy to strengthen energy security with homegrown, renewable fuel. This initiative will strengthen national security while providing new economic opportunities for America’s farmers.
“This initiative will also benefit rural America by encouraging the development of the next generation of biofuels, which will lead to job opportunities in local communities.
“While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently took a step backwards in this area by reducing the 2014 targets for the Renewable Fuel Standard, we are very pleased that USDA and the Navy are taking a more forward-looking approach tor the future of energy in our country. NFU is especially appreciative of Secretary Vilsack’s extraordinary leadership on renewable energy issues.”
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
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