U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a new federal-private collaboration with DuPont, aimed at safeguarding natural resources on private lands used to supply feedstocks for cellulosic ethanol production.
Cellulosic ethanol uses corn plant materials, rather than corn kernels to produce ethanol that is used in gasoline blends.
The use of the farm-based fuels has raised concerns about the industry driving up food prices and encouraging “fence post to fence post” planting that minimizes conservation practices.
DuPont has researched cellusoic fuels at its Experimental Station near Wilmington and is building a plant in Iowa.
The joint agreement between the department and DuPont aims to set voluntary standards for sustainable harvesting of agricultural residues for renewable fuel.
“USDA and DuPont share a common interest in the wise use and management of soil, water and energy resources,” said Vilsack. “Both organizations also share an interest in helping individual farmers adapt to new market opportunities in ways that are consistent with the wise use of these natural resources.”
“Working with farmers is critical to maximizing the land’s productivity and protecting natural resources,” said Jim C. Borel, executive vice president of DuPont. “With this new collaboration, we have a partner in the Natural Resources Conservation Service to ensure that the collection of corn stover for the production of cellulosic renewable fuel makes sense for an individual grower’s operation and the land they farm.” The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding will provide conservation planning assistance for farmers who supply feedstocks to biorefineries as the industry moves toward commercial status.
Through the agreement, DuPont will develop a process to work with cooperating farms on sustainable harvest practices that help keep soil in the field and out of rivers, streams and lakes; promote healthier soils which help reduce flooding through increased infiltration rates, and provide for the efficient use of nutrients.
The first plant involved in this national agreement is northeast of Des Moines, Iowa, near the town of Nevada where DuPont is building a 30 million gallons per year site. The complex will use harvested residues from a 30-mile radius. “This agreement will support our nation’s effort to reduce dependency on foreign oil, while working to protect and improve the productivity of our soils—one of our most valuable resources,” said Vilsack.
