Jan 8, 2018   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Renewable Energy and Products Vital to Achieving Rural Prosperity, Ag Energy Coalition Says

Lloyd Ritter, director of the Agriculture Energy Coalition, today released the following statement in reaction to speeches by President Donald Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue at the American Farm Bureau Federation's Annual Convention in Nashville. The Coalition also welcomed today’s release of the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity.

“The Ag Energy Coalition applauds the Trump administration’s commitment to rural America and its recognition of agriculture’s role in revitalizing U.S. energy security, manufacturing and global competitiveness. We welcome the Administration’s emphasis on improving access to capital, rebuilding infrastructure, and creating new markets for agriculture and forestry production as top policy objectives.

“Reauthorization of key Farm Bill energy programs with a strong funding commitment will be a critical step in meeting those objectives. These programs provide important regulatory and policy support to rural America, encouraging investment in innovation, commercial development of new energy sources and products, and expansion of domestic manufacturing.”

“A strong Federal commitment to popular Farm Bill energy programs is vital, particularly right now, when rural America is hurting, farm income is down, and so many farm friendly technologies and processes are on the cusp of rapid expansion. Job creation and improved rural quality of life depend on a stable, long-term commitment.”