Biotech Updates

Research Grants to Improve Biofuel Feedstock and Energy Production

July 27, 2012

The Energy Department and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will fund eight research projects aimed at applying biomass genomics to improve promising biofuel feedstocks and energy production. These projects will use genetic mapping to advance sustainable biofuels production. They will analyze and seek ways to maximize genetic traits like feedstock durability, tolerance to environmental stresses, and the potential for feedstocks to be used in energy production.

In addition, the USDA and Energy will support 13 projects worth $41 million to improve biofuels production and feedstock. "If we want to develop affordable alternatives for oil and gasoline that will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil, we need investments like these projects to spur innovation in bioenergy," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "By producing energy more efficiently and sustainably, we can create rural jobs, boost rural economies and help U.S. farmers, ranchers and foresters prosper."

More on this news at http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2012/07/0251.xml&navid=NEWS_RELEASE&navtype=RT&parentnav=LATEST_RELEASES&edeployment_action=retrievecontent