A combined $9.6 million will go into grants to support production of advanced biofuels and the bio-economy, said the Agriculture Department. The largest block of money, $5.6 million, was divided among 220 producers through the Advanced Biofuel Payment Program for producing renewable fuels from feedstocks other than corn. In addition, USDA awarded $960,000 to the National Biodiesel Board and the University of Idaho for research and promotion of biodiesel, $2.3 million to South Dakota State University for bio-energy research, and $1 million to Iowa State University for development of paint, coatings and adhesives made from the biodiesel co-product acrylated glycerol.
For a list of recipients of the advanced biofuel grants, click here. The largest recipient, at $594,293, was Renewable Energy Group of Ames, Iowa.
In addition, USDA announced more than $5 million in grants to 82 projects in 42 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands through the Farm to School Program, which helps schools purchase more food from farmers and ranchers in their communities. The projects include irrigating a school farm in Georgia to boost yields, providing bison meat for a tribal school in South Dakota, and involving Delaware students in planning menus for meals that use food that they grow.
For a list of recipients, click here.