USDA awards payments to support producers of advanced biofuels

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded payments to 189 companies to support the production and expansion of advanced biofuels.

The funding, which totals more than $15.7 million, is being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Advanced Biofuel Payment Program.

Under this program, payments are made to eligible producers based on the amount of biofuels produced from renewable biomass from a wide variety of non-food sources, including waste products.

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“These payments support the nation’s expanding alternative fuels industry by encouraging the use of renewable feedstocks and helping to create a stronger energy future,” Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager said. “Advanced biofuels production is a key component of the President’s ''all-of-the-above'' energy strategy, which is designed to reduce America’s reliance on foreign oil.”