KUFM Public Radio Commentary

March 11, 2008

By Sandy Courtnage, Montana Farmers Union

Agriculture:  an integral part of energy self-sufficiency

Last July Senator Baucus held a U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee field hearing in Great Falls.  The meeting’s purpose was to gather testimony about the Farm Bill that was being written.  High on our legislative wish list was a number of renewable energy items. 

Farm generated renewable energy is one of the most exciting opportunities to happen in ag country for awhile   Montana ag producers are enthusiastic about doing whatever they can do to move our country toward energy independence.  Strong opportunities exist for our state, particularly in wind and biofuels. 

One prerequisite for any legislation is that the economic benefit remains in our state.  Many times we have seen large corporate investments draw the wealth out with little or no sustained investment in the local economy.  We support rural development that gives a competitive advantage to farmer-owned and locally owned efforts.  Likewise, we believe that tax policy should be tipped toward incentives for farmer-owned and locally owned businesses.

Last week at the 106^th annual convention of the National Farmers Union, Montana delegates joined those from across the nation to discuss wide-ranging policies including the Farm Bill and renewable energy.

Members endorsed the increased use and production of fuels from the farm to allow America to become an energy independent nation.

Oil seeds for biofuels will provide more opportunities for farmers who want a crop rotation alternative while contributing to a cleaner environment.  If resulting crusher and production plants stay in the neighborhood, it’s a winning situation for all involved.

Specifically, members supported expanding the Renewable Fuels Standard to ensure biofuels make up one-third of the nation’s supply.

Also, the goals of the 25 by 25 coalition were once again endorsed.  This nationwide group supports the establishment of a national Renewable Portfolio Standard, which would require 25 percent of energy to come from renewable sources by the year 2025.  This is a doable goal and one that will move us toward energy security while not sacrificing our food and fiber needs.

Creative opportunities for renewable energy are abundant in the countryside and growing in number in Montana.

Also supported was a farmer-owned Strategic Biofuels Feedstock Reserve.  This is like an insurance policy tied to the needs of producers who use agricultural products, livestock feeders, consumers and food manufacturers, and would protect against years of poor crop production.

Farm bill legislation needs to make energy independence a national priority – one that puts farmer, rancher and community ownership of renewable energy first; and one that encourages value-added efforts, including locally owned fuel and wind energy projects. 

The conversation that started more than eight months ago on the Farm Bill continues today.  There are good renewable energy components in both the House and Senate versions of the bill, but negotiations remain difficult between the two houses and the Administration.

It is our hope that all the work and compromise of the past months is not squandered.

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