As part of that larger conversation, USDA’s objectives for this report include: providing the practical knowledge from the field that can enhance various models for biofuel production, identify challenges and opportunities, and help develop solutions to this massive undertaking. In addition, USDA hopes that this report spurs discussions and is looking forward to feedback from Congress, states, industry, science, and all concerned citizens and stakeholders.
This report aims to assess: existing eligible feedstock supply and land availability, current and potential infrastructure capacity, and current and potential regional consumer demand. The report relies on the work of other agencies as inputs, though the analytical approach was developed by USDA. This is an interim product subject to revision given more inputs.
Over the last 60 years, the percentage of the U.S. population directly involved in production agriculture in America has gone from 15 percent to less than two percent, but the average farmer produces food for 155 people today, as compared to his counterpart 60 years ago who produced food for only 25 people. This increase in efficiency in agriculture and farming, and the resulting sharp decrease in the number of hands needed to meet a growing demand, by its very nature, requires that the rural economy diversify. Growing a domestic biofuels market is part of overall USDA rural strategy to help rebuild rural America.

By: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

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