Yesterday, the USDA published an interim rule on Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks. The interim rule establishes guidelines for quantifying, reporting, and verifying the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the production of biofuel feedstock commodity crops grown in the United States. Greg Wandrey, director of sustainability with the Iowa Corn Growers Association, explained what was included in these guidelines.
This is just an interim rule so far, so Wandrey said it will be very important for the ag industry to speak up over the next 60 days as the USDA opens up to comments.
Wandrey said this announcement provides some clarity following the USDA’s 45z tax credit announcement from last week.
Wandrey added that the ICGA will want to seek further clarity on the practices and reporting requirements involved during the comment period, but they are generally pleased with the guidelines.
For more information, visit iowacorn.org.
