National Farmers Union Supports Competition and Renewable Fuels Infrastructure

Time is running out for the 2023 legislative year to make changes that favor farmers, says Anne Steckel, senior advisor for the National Farmers Union. One piece of legislation that remains to be finalized is the Farm Bill, and Steckel says that NFU is pushing for policies that promote their Fairness for Farmers campaign and encourage competition in agriculture… tape

“We feel that there needs to be more competition in agriculture, that gives farmers the greater opportunity to have choices and to be more financially sound.”

Steckel says that NFU members will have the chance to speak directly with their elected officials in September during their Fall Legislative Fly-In. She says that the visit will allow members to discuss NFU’s legislative priorities for the Farm Bill following the August recess.

In addition to their push for more competition in agriculture in the next Farm bill, Steckel says that NFU is supportive of the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program announced at the end of June by the USDA. The program provides $450 million in grants to invest in biofuel infrastructure projects… tape

“The HBRI Progam is really important because it incentives higher blends of ethanol and works with retailers to ensure that they’ll have the most current pumps available to dispense those higher blends of ethanol and bio-diesel.”

The application window to apply for funding through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program is open now through September 30, 2024.