The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced a three-year, $3 million partnership with the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan to drive a landmark initiative connecting Michigan’s agricultural sector with the rapidly expanding sustainable aviation and maritime fuel industries. The project positions Michigan as a national leader in developing low-carbon fuel supply chains while ensuring new economic opportunities flow directly to Michigan farmers.
“This initiative lays the groundwork for Michigan agriculture to play a central role in the future of sustainable transportation by leveraging Michigan’s strong agricultural foundation and key transportation hubs,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “By aligning our farmers, researchers and industry partners, we are opening the door to long-term economic growth and new opportunities for Michigan’s rural communities.”
As airlines, freight carriers and maritime industries accelerate efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other low-carbon fuels is surging. Michigan—home to millions of bushels of corn and soybeans each year—holds a strategic advantage as these crops are key ingredients of many next-generation fuels. Plus, they grow within a few hours of the Port of Detroit and Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
At the same time, Michigan farmers have long implemented conservation practices that sequester carbon. However, they have lacked a formal, state-verified mechanism to quantify and monetize these environmental benefits to help their bottom line.
Source : michigan.gov