NATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS        RENEWABLE FUELS

NATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

ü Corn - National Corn Growers Association - $172,050

National Corn Growers Association’s action teams and committees work on programs to keep farmers on the cutting edge of technology; provide innovative research to improve and increase market opportunities for the corn industry; reach mainstream audiences with positive messages about corn-based ethanol and corn production; expand new markets, like ethanol and its co-products, as well as corn-based projects; and maintain excellent relationships with key markets: livestock and poultry, processing for human consumption, and foreign export. 

ü Grains - U.S. Grains Council - $50,000

The U.S. Grains Council has been conducting overseas market development programs since 1960.  Demand for U.S. grains is growing with global population growth and the expansion of the consumer class, leading to a demand for more and better quality food.  Included in the Council’s initiatives are to measure and recommend transportation infrastructure needs; promote DDGs; expand markets in growth areas of Southeast Asia, India, Mexico and Latin America; and carry the message to our customers of the reliable supply, quality and sustainability of U.S. agricultural production. 

ü Barley - National Barley Growers Association - $1,518

The National Barley Growers Association’s priority issues for 2011 include: monitor, analyze, and report on national farm policy issues and their subsequent effect on barley producers; educate and advise USDA Risk Management Agency on barley crop insurance priorities; support and provide education on FY 2011 federal research funding priorities as established by the National Barley Improvement Committee; support passage and implementation of pending free trade agreements; support and encourage conservation programs; and, enhance transportation systems to be more competitive.

ü Wheat Policy - National Association of Wheat Growers - $7,000

Objectives of the National Association of Wheat Growers include 1) create a unified voice supporting wheat growers that results in positive action,  2) improve Risk Management Programs to support U.S. wheat growers,  3) Increase the focus of capturing the benefits of energy policy, and  4) encourage investment and innovation in U.S. wheat. Priority focus for policy issues with congress and the Administration in 2011 will be given to confronting growing environmental regulation, showing the need for strong trade policy, beginning work toward 2012 Farm Bill, and following financial reform and sustainability talks.

ü Wheat Marketing - U.S. Wheat Associates - $28,300

As the export market development organization funded by America’s wheat growers, U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) supplies information and training to wheat buyers and wheat food manufacturers in more than 100 countries through 17 offices overseas. USW objectives include to continue evaluating and reporting on soft red winter wheat (SRW) crop quality and functional characteristics; educate buyers about unique SRW advantages and value, for example, USW is planning an Overseas Varietal Analysis program that gathers input from overseas SRW customers to help SRW breeders develop varieties with functional quality linked to customer needs; and influence trade policy and increase acceptance of technological advancements in wheat breeding.

RENEWABLE FUELS

ü E85 Marketing and Infrastructure Development - Sustainable Energy Strategies, Inc. - $37,030

With this project, support is provided to the existing 16 stations offering E85, and work is conducted to expand use of E85 throughout the region with more stations and blender pumps.  With the assistance of a Department of Energy grant, six new stations will open in 2011. The Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) Awareness Campaign will target FFV owners to be aware that they are driving an FFV. It is estimated 65% to 90% of FFV owners do not know they have a vehicle with the unique feature to use up to 85% ethanol.  Since consumers will need to make a very deliberate decision regarding the choice to purchase higher ethanol blends, it is critical that they be educated on their options.  Informational materials for state renewal license mailings and inspection station visits.  Auto dealerships will include FFV information in the welcome packages that identify FFVs and inform buyers about local ethanol refueling options. With ethanol retailers, FFV decals will be distributed and special promotions conducted that will reward and motivate FFV owners to choose higher blends of ethanol.

ü Sweet Sorghum Grain and Biomass for Ethanol Variety Screening – Salisbury University - $9,434

Sweet sorghum contains simple sugars and can directly ferment to produce ethanol without the need to hydrolyze complex carbohydrates. Field trials over the last two summers indicated that sweet sorghum could be successfully grown for biofuel in this region. Sweet sorghum can grow well on marginal, non-irrigated land. Its nutrient input cost is less than half of that required for corn, and it is a short crop cycle plant, reaching maturity in 120-130 days. Data is, however, needed from multi-year trial in order to provide reliable recommendations for the region. Therefore screening of sweet sorghum varieties for biomass, juice volume, sap sugar concentration and grain yield will be continued. 

ü Ethanol Performs - Bunny Burkett Racing Team - $10,500

The Racing Team conducts “Ethanol Performs” promotions with the Dodge Avenger Funny Car driven by Ms. Bunny with fair displays, traveling billboard on trailer, promotional items, personal appearances, website, and print and television media coverage.  The racing team competes on the racing circuit garnering significant publicity due to the fact that very few women compete in motor sports on a national level.