USDA, FAA Announce Partnership to Develop Aviation Biofuels

On October 21, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a five-year agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop jet fuels from forest and crop residues in an effort to reduce dependence on foreign oil and stabilize aviation fuel costs. This cooperative agreement supports a larger research plan, which aims to accelerate the development of a commercial advanced biofuels industry across the United States through five USDA Regional Biomass Research Centers.

According to the FAA , "the development and deployment of alternative fuels is critical to achieving carbon neutral aviation growth by 2020." President and CEO of the Air Transport Association (ATA), James May said, "After formally launching the ‘Farm to Fly’ initiative just three months ago, [Agriculture] Secretary Vilsack has taken a leadership role in this significant endeavor for aviation and for rural America." He added that the programs "will provide investors, farmers, bankers and US energy companies with the confidence to invest in these proven, green technologies."

The new partnership was one part of a broader announcement by Secretary Vilsack on measures to promote production of renewable fuels. "Domestic production of renewable energy, including biofuels, is a national imperative and that's why USDA is working to assist in developing a biofuels industry in every corner of the nation," said Vilsack. "By producing more biofuels in America, we will create jobs, combat global warming, replace our dependence on foreign oil and build a stronger foundation for the 21st century economy."