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NFU launches initiative to advance biofuels

National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson says it’s time for biofuels to go on the offensive in the effort to increase ethanol blend levels.  In a call announcing the farm organization’s initiative to advance biofuels, Johnson told reporters trouble in the farm economy is driving the need to take a new look at the current 10 percent ethanol blend.

“And we need to much beyond that,” said Johnson, on a conference call with reporters.  “The economic crisis in America today is really very real.”

Johnson says greater farm productivity has resulted in a supply of corn far beyond what there was when the renewable fuel standard was established.

The NFU is working with former National Biodiesel Board lobbyist Anne Steckel, who says the initiative will focus on regulatory as well as legislative solutions.

“Clearly there are a number of efforts ongoing to tweak or modify the RFS, so we’re closely participating and following in those efforts,” said Steckel.

According to Johnson, the goal of the initiative is to expand markets for advanced biofuels and for ethanol blends of at least 30 percent.

AUDIO: Conference call: Roger Johnson and Anne Steckel (30 min. MP3)