Public Radio Commentary

Presented by Brooks Dailey, MFU president

August 29, 2006

Montana and regional agriculture producers had an opportunity to attend and testify at a couple of Congressional hearings this past week held in Great Falls.  The first meeting was the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee field hearing on the 2007 Farm Bill.  The second was the U.S.  Senate Committee on Appropriations hearing held in Sidney on renewable energy.

These committee field hearings are intended to provide an opportunity for testimony on local issues as members of Congress develop federal policies.  During the farm bill hearing, for example, there was important discussion about conservation programs, trade issues and disaster-related difficulties, with differing viewpoints about the best approach for farm country and rural communities.  

What was striking about the two separate meetings, however, was the common ground shared by the many speakers.  True consensus emerged about the need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and make development of renewable energy sources a priority.  There was strong support for work and policy leading to a new sustainable economy that will rely increasingly on wind, solar, biomass, anaerobic digesters, ethanol, and bio-diesel based fuel programs.  

The message that came through loud and clear was that strong federal policies on renewable energy are needed.  Some of the initiatives mentioned to achieve these energy goals included:

- Congressional extension of production tax credits to provide financial incentives for commodity-based wind energy development.

- Establishing a national Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) of 25 percent by 2025 that includes a strong local ownership component.

- Establishing a separate national mandate for the production, use and distribution of non-gas fuels such as biodiesel.

- And, creating a farm-stored Strategic Renewable Energy Biofuels Reserve, dedicated to biofuels and energy feedstocks storage and production.  This storage would ensure a dependable long-term supply of the raw materials that are critical to the uninterrupted operation of the emerging renewable biofuels energy industry.

Montana is known and respected for its contributions to the production of food and fiber.  Now an opportunity exists for crop, livestock and grass producers to become major providers of another essential commodity  – energy.

In developing biofuels for the state, for example, Montanans working together can provide opportunities for all.  Growers will benefit through the introduction of additional crops to be used in rotation with current small grains grown.  Current in-state crushers will have additional work to schedule.  Construction and ongoing plant operations will provide local, decent paying jobs that, in turn, will keep people in their local communities.  And, Montana could have a biofuels refinery in the state.  All these elements factored together equal statewide economic development that originates and stays in the state.

The bottom line is that corporate American agriculture seems to be doing quite well in terms of its economic stability. 

Our goal is for farmers and ranchers to be at the forefront of the energy revolution.  We can utilize the commodities we grow in innovative new ways to produce power, transportation fuels, and a new generation of biobased products and chemicals, and improve our nation’s energy security.

Our vision for the future includes farm policy that is NOT developed for multinational corporations, processors, exporters, integrated livestock producers and firms who profit from low commodity prices.  Rather, we want policy with a strong conservation and energy component that prioritizes the interests of independent family farmers and ranchers and is vital to the people on the land throughout our country.

For the Montana Farmers Union, I’m Brooks Dailey.  Thanks for listening.

-30-