$36 Million boost for low-emission ethanol tech

Jul 15, 2024

$36 Million boost for low-emission ethanol tech

By Farms.com

The U.S. Department of Energy is taking a proactive step towards greener biofuel production by investing $36 million in technologies that decrease emissions from synthetic nitrogen fertilizers applied to ethanol-producing crops like corn and sorghum.

This initiative is part of a larger effort to address the significant role of agriculture in the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, which is notably influenced by the use of nitrogen fertilizers.

This investment aims to support projects that can innovate ways to reduce fertilizer usage while preserving or even enhancing the yields from these biofuel crops.

The significance of this move is underscored by the broader implications it has for the ethanol industry, which is increasingly pressured by the expanding electric vehicle market to reduce its carbon footprint.

The funding is especially timely given recent setbacks, such as the limitations imposed by the Treasury Department on ethanol's eligibility for sustainable aviation fuel tax credits.

By focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of the initial agricultural processes involved in ethanol production, the DOE seeks to align more closely with federal and state subsidies promoting lower-emission fuels.

Evelyn N. Wang of the DOE highlighted the importance of this initiative for the energy sector and the economy, pointing out that smarter fertilizer use could lead to significant reductions in energy emissions, benefiting both the environment and the operational costs for farmers.

This initiative represents a crucial step in aligning agricultural practices with environmental sustainability goals, fostering a healthier planet and a more resilient agricultural sector.

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.