USDA, DOE Award $8.3M To 11 Labs To Use Genomics, Proteomic Tools In Biofuel Research

By a GenomeWeb staff reporter

NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) — The US Departments of Energy and Agriculture yesterday said they have awarded $8.3 million to fund 11 research projects to use genomics and proteomics technology to study certain plant species for their ability to develop biofuels.

The agencies said that these studies will “provide the scientific foundation to facilitate and accelerate the use of woody plant tissue for bioenergy and biofuel.”

Beginning this year, the DOE will put up $5.5 million for seven projects, and the USDA will funnel $1.5 million into three projects.

"These research projects build upon DOE's strategic investments in genomics and biotechnology and strengthen our commitment to developing a robust bioenergy future," DOE Secretary Samuel Bodman said in a statement.

USDA Secretary Mike Johanns added that these grants “diversify the portfolio or research” by looking into new ways to develop cordgrass, rice, and switchgrass in renewable energy sources.

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