
Researchers propose planting cover crops after harvesting corn as a climate-smart practice that can lower the carbon intensity of corn and the ethanol produced from it. Photo by L. Brian Stauffer
October 10, 2025
BY Diana Yates, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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The USDA on Oct. 6 announced a $180 million investment to launch the USDA’s Seed Sovereignty Initiative, a major effort to both strengthen U.S. agricultural security by protecting the plant genetic resources and enabling ag innovation.
New Zealand’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority on Oct. 1 announced it is investing in five new wood energy aggregation facilities and four projects that aim to produce torrefied biomass and wood pellets.
For qualified biomass facilities, properly processed railroad ties can provide a reliable supplemental fuel stream with useful heating value, established regulatory pathways and the potential to diversify supply.
Advanced Biofuels Canada Association welcomes the introduction of Bill C-39, An Act respecting certain measures to strengthen the economy (Building Canada Strong Act), tabled in the House of Commons on Sept. 21, 2026.
According to the USDA, President Trump’s executive order that lifts taxes on dyed-diesel is expected to represent approximately $640 million in combined federal and state savings across about 224.6 million harvested acres.