Ag secretary: Biofuels good for farmers, security

Forbes.com
Associated Press
By CARSON WALKER 08.21.08, 3:49 PM ET

MITCHELL, S.D. - Expanded production of renewable biofuels promises newfound riches for farmers but also improved national security, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer said Thursday at the Dakotafest farm show.

"They are here to stay. They are part of our energy solutions," he said at a forum with Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.

"If we're going to cut our dependence on foreign suppliers, we must be committed to building this new energy portfolio."

The Farm Bill that Congress passed in June calls for production of 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels by 2022, including 21 billion gallons from sources other than corn and soybeans.

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