WASHINGTON  – National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson issued the following statement after U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, joined by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Heather Zichal, announced the availability of up to $30 million in funding for commercial scale advanced drop-in biofuels both through the Defense Production Act and the Department of Energy.

“Today’s announcement is a very positive step as the U.S. military continues to increase its use of biofuels, decreasing its reliance on foreign oil. As a matter of national security, it simply makes sense to utilize home-grown fuel rather than relying on foreign oil. Increasing the use of biofuels also helps to moderate fuel costs. A small increase in the price of crude oil means a big jump in fuel costs for our armed forces.

“This initiative is also great for rural America, because it helps to create more jobs and keeps more money here in the United States rather than sending it overseas. These jobs help ensure a thriving rural America, which is good for everyone.”