Comments on Tiptoeing Out of the Cornfield

What about hemp? Seems it could go a long way towards E independance. But wait, hemp looks too much like marijuhuanna! We better stick to getting oil from Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Need I mention hemp stalk as an excellent low-maintenance cellulose source?

"How should the government encourage companies like ADM to tiptoe out of the cornfield and make the switch," you ask? Since answering that question is basically my job, I guess I have to attempt an answer to that enormous question. That's what happens when I scan the slog on a friday afternoon.

Let me start by saying that it isn't just ADM. Many of the leading oil companies are investing in this technology, and we'll be seeing the first plants constructed in the next few years. Next, this technology is a big deal, and promises to expand biofuel supply while dramatically improving the environmental profile of biofuel production.

But what can governments do? Lots of things - R&D, technical assistance, loan guarantees and funding, I could go on and on. Government could also recognize the huge soil, water quality, and wildlife benefits of using perennial crops like switchgrass to produce biofuels by allowing biofuel projects to recieve conservation payments.

That's my 2 cents. There's a lot of great groups working on these issues. We're doing our small part - www.gpisd.net

The real action is going to be in producing biodiesel from sewage. New Zealand is moving at a rapid pace to turn the algae that accumulates in sewage digesters into biodiesel. Has anyone asked Mr. Sims about adding this technology to "Brightwater"?

The Government can also structure of the Farm Program - which will be updated in the Next 12 Months - to provide equal incentives for perennial crops as for annual crops, like corn. The Conservation Security Program, and an Energy Reserve Program (patterned on the CRP program) would be invaluable to shifting corn-belt production systems.